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Ei!U!i!: GEO ' '*^iM^\*ii»IS^ ■ ^'-^-.^lA FOR T '/? j!ii; J fiiiiiiil ' .»••••; IT^'yrf ■ n HANDBOOK or THE GEOGRAPnY AND NATURAL HISTORY >,'• OF ■ 1^ .,s»*i'***W? -**' *^"">-'' THE PROVINCE OF mr, NOVA SCOTIA. FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. .^ BY J^W^^AVVSON. 8EC0ND KDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. PICTOU: PUJLISIIED BY JAMES DAWSON, • ■MSivH.Jmt-^^-^ "•:»* - - , '^1 i '■ 4 —^i ,t 1 r; i{J : ' :i : V. v' 4<-> '-»^ V '; ■ ■ 't ,. .; 9r<2>7 - ^^.^i/^f .; .>■ Knterod for ('opyriglit, according^ lo the Aci of ^| the AssLMTibly, on ilio 'J( tJi Februiiry, 1851, by Jamks Dawson, Pietou. A ^ 1 1' ' . ' I » •' . ■• V -•i 'J- : -r^-J • ' E. M. Macdonald, Printer. . *, "ili V^A-- .,:jtL ERRATUM. Since the earlier sheets^of this work were printed, the northern parts of the Counties of Inverness and Cape Breton, have been erected into the new County of Vkloria. ,^1 if ¥1 1» ■■■lit 'K J v-V 1 •af xi ., ■ ,"i '^' PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. '■n ' J Tho importance to the yoiiiis: of a knowledge ©t' their own country, the meagre and inaccurate ac- counts of Nova Scotia contained in the ordinary books of Geography, and the difficulty of ohtaining- cliecp and suitable means o 'giving in-:ti-uction 'n ih's department, induced the writer in 1847 lo compile a cheap School Map of the Province, and in the fol- lowing year to prepare a Hand Book of the Geogra- phy of the country to accompany it. Tlie sale of the latter has now rendered necessary a second edi- tion , which has been carefully revised and somewhat enlarged, and it is hoped gives a to'erably correct view of tlic natural features and present condition of the Province. The Section on Natural History, introduced into the first edition with the view of promoting the lovo and study of nature, and of exciting a well directed spirit of inquiry into the natural resources and pro- ductions of our country, has in the present edition been somevvhiit simplified, and additional explana- tions have been added. Considerable pains havB also been taken to ensure nccuracv in the nomencla- ture and descriptions. The statements of tempera- ture &c., in the article on Climate, are based on tho observations of Henry Poole, Eeq., of tk» Albion Minea. Pictou. ^-..•K. Mi-- ijit'. lT-«5ly£<^l^-fAJ^?l.' ^iifi'^a'SM'^tr?*'-'"*?'?'^- It is rtoeessary to state that the estimates af pupa* lalion given in the former edition, have been retain- ed unchanged. They must now be far below the truth. The new census will however soon alTord the means of correction. With the view of rendering the work more useful as a School Book, and of adapting it to ivnp roved methods of teaching, some changes have been made in the arrangement, and a few introductory lessons have been prefixed. It is not necessary that the words of the book should be committed to memory by the pupils. When they are acquainted with the names and facts, and more especially with the Map of the Province, and can express their knowledge correctly in their own words, the end is attained. In the Natural History department, it is not intended that the scientific names enclosed in brackets ( ) shall he committed to memory, at least by junior classes. Their principal use is, to enable the teachers and ad- vanced pupils, desirous of further information, -to re- fer with certainty to the descriptions in larger works, and to obtain general views of the arrange- ment of the objects composing the great kingdoms of nature. Some knowledge of the nomenclature as well, as the facts of Natural History, is, however, in the present day, a necessary element in an advanced or lir heral education. I ■ I 1 Pictou, April, 1851. ^k ■f': ' Xi ,#*" \ I ■ I I 1 . ,■? C O N T E N T S . Sledion 1. — Geography. Page. General description of Nova Scotia - - 8 Nova Scotia proper - - • - 9 Cape Breton - - - - - M Civil divisions of Nova Scotia - - - 13 Counties of Nova Scotia Proper - - - 19 Digby -------13 Yarmouth ------ 15 Shelburne ------ 17 Queen's - , - - . - 19 Annapolis ------ 20 King's 2-2 Lunenburg ------ JJ5. Hants - 27 Halifax - 29. Colchester ------ 31 Cumberland ---••-- 33, Pictou - - 35 Sydney ------- 38: Guysborough - - • - • 39, Counties of Cape Breton. Richmond - - - - - -41 Inverness ------ 43 Cape Breton - - ^ - - - 44 Sable Island 46 Political and Judicial Institutions. The Executive ----- 47 The Legislature ----- 48 Courts of Justice . - - - . 49 Religious Denominations. - - - 50 Section 2. — Natural History. Climate - 53 Geology - 57 Zoology - - - - - - 67 Botany - - - - - - - 90. ft k -< '."J 4 GEOGRAPHY ANDNATURAL HISTORY OF NOVA SCOTIA • Section I.— Geography. INTRODUCTORY LESSONS. Lesson I. [In teaching children the Geography of their Court* try, with the aid of this manual, the first step should be to ascertain how much geographical knowledge of this kind they already possess. This the Teacher may effect by a series of questions such as the fol- lowing:] In what place are We ? In what County is it 1 Of what Province is that County a part? What roads ate near? To what places do they lead?— What other places in Nova Scotia do you know 1 What rivers are near ? What places do they flow through or near? Where do they empty? What Bays or Harbours do you know ? What mountains or hills? In what direction is / (naming places which have been mentioned) At what diif* tance ? What do you know of them ] 9 VEOORAPIlt [TheTeacher may now refer to the map ofthe Pro- Tince, laying it down on tlie flofor or on a table, a* nearly as possible in its true position, in reference to the cardinal points, and pointing out, or requiring the scholars to point out the places mentioned, if they are marked on the map, and asking them to estimate the size of the whole province from the known dia- tanc3s between the places which they havo visited or heard of.] Lesson II. [May take a wider range, and refer to neighbour- ing and related portions of the world. The' children, with a map of the world or of America before them, may be asked the follovviiig qnestions :] Of what empire is Nova Scotia a province ? What other provinces of tliat empire are near it? With what Continent is Nova Scotia connected ? Wliat part of that Continent? On which side of the Con- tinent is it? What ocean lies eestward S)f it ? In about what Latitude does it appear on the map to be? In abnut what Longitude? (The process of finding these on the map, gives a favourable opportunity for explaining the mode of reckoning latitude and longi- tude.) In wluit direction from Nova Scotia is New- foundland i? Labrador ? Prince Edward Island ? New Brunswick? Canada? The United States? Is the size of Nova Scotia large or small as compared with Newfoundland ? Prince Kd ward Island ? New Brunswick? Canada? The United States? Ame- rica^ (The Teacher may hero explain that as all Maps are very much smaller than tlie Countries they represent, so some Maps are on a much smaller scala than others ; and will contrast the appearance of th« ■■^^^i*^-''-^"^ ^''Tw tf^'*"^"'^"";^'^^" "^^^^'^^■^W^Tf^^^^^^^^^ ' OP NOVA SCOTIA. Provinca in the Map of Nova Scotia, and in lh« Map of America or of the world. He may also ex- plain the manner in which portions of the spherical Burfac'e of the earth are represented on Uie fiat sur- faces of Maps.] Lesson HI. [May consist of the County in wliich the school is situated, as given in the book, with tho aid of tho Map.] [Tiie pupils may then go r (rularly through tho book, the Teacher in every lesson using the Map, questioning the cliildren, and giving such expla- nations as he can, where ,thoy are required.— The matter may be divided into lessons to suit ^tha convenience of Teacher and class.] v>y«w '^ GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROVINCE. The Province of Nova Scotia is situated on the eastern side of the continent of North America, be- tween North latitude 43° 25' and 47°, and between West longitude 59° 40' and 66° 25'. It is one of the Provinces of British North Ameri- ca. It was first colonized by the French, by whom it was called Acadie or Acadia. It was finally ceded by France to Great Britain in 1713. Its principal natural divisions are Nova Scotia Proper and Cape Breton. .^ NOVA SCOTIA PROPER. Nova Scotia. Proper is a peninsula of a' some- what triangular form, connected with the mainland of North America by an isthmus six miles in breadth. It is bounded on the north-east by Northumber- land Strait, St. George's Bay and the Strait of Canseau ; on the south and south-east by the Atlan- ticpcean ; and on the north-west by the Bay of Fun- dy, Chiegnecto Bay and the Province of New Bruns- wick. Northumberland Strait is a part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, separating Nova Scotia from Prince Ed- ward Island. ■ " ^jSiiCfcfsL,- OF r X SCOTIA. the be- veen leri- horn lally sotia )m6- land idth. iber- t of tlan- •uns- fSt, Ed- St. George's Bay is an ann of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, included between the eastern part of No- va Scotia and the western part of Cape Breton. The Strait of Canseau is a passage about one mile in breadth, separating Nova Scotia from Cape Bre- ton, and connecting the Gulf of St. Lawrence with the Atlantic. The Bay of Fundy is an arm of the Atlantic, par- tially separating Nova Scotia from New Brunswick. It is remarkable for the great height of its tides. Chiegnecto Bay is an arm of the Bay of Fundy. It is divided into two branches, Shepody Bay and Cumberland Basin. The first of these branches ter- minates in New Brunswick, and the last in Nova Scotia. The length of Nova Scotia proper is 256 miles; its greatest breadth is 100 miles ; and its area about 15,600 square miles. Its surface is generally undulating or uneven, but not mountainous ; it has numeroas small lakes and rivers, and the coast abounds in bays and harbours. The scenery, though not grand, is varied and often beautiful. The most impottant rivers, are the St. Mary's, the La Have, the Liverpool, the Annapolis, the Shubenacadie, and the East River of Pictou. The principal ranges of hills are the Cobequid mountains, the hills extending from Cape St. George through Sydney and Pictou counties, and the South and North mountains of Kings and Anna- polis counties'. The highest of these is the Cobequid chain, which attains an elevation of about 1100 feet. Its principal capes aud headlands are. Cape St. George, Cape Canseau, Cape Sambro, Cape Sable, Digby Neck, Cape Split and Cape Chiegnecto. The principal bays and arms of the sea, are Cum- m . S fw- gi n^^fr w,r"A»*;u! ' ** sively. The principal exports are fish, lumber, and dairy produce. The Trade of Yarmouth is extensive and prospe- rous ; and a larger amount of shipping is owned in the town of Yarmouth than in any othei^ort of tho Province ; Halifax excepted. The Townships of this County are Yarmouth and Argyle. The first Settlers of Yarmouth were French Aca- dians from Annapolis. They were expelled by the British Government in 1755 ; but in 17G3 were per- mitted to return ; and their descendants still occupy a part of the county. Theirprincipal settlements are on tho coast of the Township of Argyle. The first British Settlers were a few families froni New England, who settled at Jebogue in 1761. The town of Yarmouth was founded a few years afterward. The population of the County was in 1838, 9189. It is now 12000. The Town of Yarmouth forms one continuous street, extending almost two miles along the East aide of the harbour. Its northern extremity, at one time a separate village, is named Milton. Yar- mouth is the most important town in the western part of Nova Scotia, and contests with Pictou th« honour of being the second town in the Province.— Sbip-bulldinj^ and the carryings trade are the prinei- ;iJ^iifc*.-i*.c-i;_^ ^iU^fc or NOT A SCOTIA. IT pal foundations of its prosperity. There are sere- ral good agricultural settlements in'this County, and the soil is generally cultivable ; but the conipara< tively large trading and sea-fiiring population causes the price of provisions to he'high. Tusket is a thriv- ing little village on the East side of the river of the same name ; which has in some parts of its courao much pretty and picturesque scenery- 3. — THE COUNTY OF SHELBURKE. Shelbume is bounded on the West by the county of Yarmouth ; on the North-east by Queen's county j and on the South by the Atlantic. Its principal Harbours are Barrington Harbour, Port La Tour, Cape Negro Harbour, Shelburne Harbour, Jordan River, Ragg-iiJ Islands Harbour, and Port Hibert. Of the last of these one side only is in Shelburne. . ' Its largest Rivers are the Barrington, Clyde, Shel- burne or Roseway, and Jordan ; the most important of thes3 are the Clyde and Rosewa3^ Its principal Islands are Cape Sable Island, Cape Negro Island, McNut's Island, and Locke's Island. The surface of this county is low and uneven ih the vicinity of the coast ; but in the interior there are higher lands. The soil is generally rocky, and in muny places there are large barrens and peat bogs. Even in the vicinity of the coast however, there are patches of ^ood land ; and in the interior, there are tracts of fertile soil jproducing valuable timber. , The priocipal Town« and Settlement* tie Sbol- tmmnmm l >H ) W» l» W i » M-'. OP » ^,F •.! '< ' ■ NOVA iCOTIA. 10 The people of Barrington are active) and skilful fishermen and navigators. Th* Oounty oiShelburne possesses large quantities of fine and valuable granite^ which is not however, as yet extensive) v quarried. ar- ita on in- /od to iro of re. 4»— queen's county. QiK^eu'^ County is bounded on the North-west hf the .''ninty of Annapolis ; on the South-west by the County ofShelburne ; on the South-east by the At- lantic ; and on the North-east by the county of Lu- nen>>urg. The principal Bays and Harbour^ on its coast are PortJoli, Port Mouton, Liverpool and Port Med- way. The principal Rivers are the Liverpool and Port Medway. The first of these is one of the largest in Nova Scotia, and is connected with numerous lakes, one of which Lake Rosignol is the most extensive in the Province. The Port Medway is also a large ri- ver, and receives the surplus waters of many consi- derable lakes. The soil in the vicinity of the coast is very rocky and unproductive ; but in the interior of the County there are tracts of good soil, and thriving agricultu- ral settlements. The exports of Queen's County are fish and saw* ed lumber. The trade in these is carried on in all the harbours on th*;; coast ; especially in Liverpool and Port Medway. The principal Towns and Settlements are, LiveN pool, the county Town, which is well built and Carries on an extensive foreign aud coasting trade ; Milton on the Liverpool River; Mill village and. ■ A ;fc-,i,,: so •Eoaa^PHT t i W Port Medvray, at the mouth of Port Mrdvvay rirer ; and in the interior of the county, Brookfield, Plea- eantfield, and Northfield. The Townships of Queen's County are Liverpool and Guysboro' The first Settlers were emigrants from Massachu- Betts, who founded the town of Liverpool in 1760. The population in 1838 was 5798. It is now probably about 7000. The town of Liverpool is built on a very rocky site, on the West side of the entrance of the Liver- pool river. It consists principally of one longstreet, which in the central part of the town, is agreeab- ly ornamented with shrubs and trees planted in front of the houses. This street has but little of a busi- ness aspect, the trade of the place being principally carried on at the wharves. In the rear of Liverpool, a large building has been erected for a Seminary in connection with the Independant Church. Large quantities of fish are seined on the shore of this County ; and timber is brought from great distances inland, to be sawed at the mills in Liverpool and Port Medway rivers. (.' 6. — THE COUNTY OF ANNAPOLIS. Annapolis is bounded on the West by the County of Digby ; on the North-west by the Bay of Fundy ; on the East by King's County ; on the South-east by Queen's and Lunenburg counties. Its only natural Harbour is the beautiful sheet of water named Annapolis Basin ; there is however a breakwater on the shore of the township of Wilmot. Its principal River is th« Annapolis, a larga \ V (/ OP NOVA SCOTIA 81 stream running nearly parallel to the northern shore of the county, and receiving the waters of several considerable tributaries from the South. Its surface is varied and beautiful. It may he di- vided into three districts, differing in their soil [and appearance. The first of these natural divisions is the elevated ridge of the North Mountain, extending along tho coast, and forming the Promontory of Granville. — The soils on the flanks of this ridge are generally excellent. The second comprises the valley of the Annapolis River, the uplands of which, though light, are often fertile, and adapted to the culture of fruit. It also includes extensive tracts of dyked marsh on the mar- gin of the Basin and rivers. The third extend" from the valley of the river to the South line of t! j county, and comprises more than half its surface. It is in general hilly and in some parts very rocky ; but includes much fertile soil. • The most valuable mineral fornd in this County is iron ore, which occurs, in a large bed, near the Moose and Nictaux Rivers, and extends between these places. A company was formed in 1825 fer working this ore, but the enterprise was afterwards abandoned. The working of the ore at Nictaux has recently been recommenced. The people of Annapolis County are employed chiefly in agriculture ; and the most important ex- ports are farm and dairy produce. The principal towns, are Annapolis, the county town, which was at one time the capital of the Pro- vince, and is the oldest settlement in Nova Scotia ; •tr ^' ti2 OEOGRAPHY U Bridgetown, at the head of the navigation on Anna- polis River, and the principal seat of trade ; and Laurencetown. The townships of Annapolis are Annapolis, Gran- ''•ille, Clements, and Wilmot. This county was first settled by the French, who in 1G05 founded the town of Port Royal. Port Roy- al was destroyed by an expedition from the British colony of Virginia in 1G13. In 1{)29 an unsuccess- ful attempt at settlement was made by the English, and the Province being shortly afterwards ceded to France, Port Royal again became a French colony. It was retaken by the English in 165G, and again ceded to France by the peace of Breda. In the war v.'hich commenced in 1G8D, several contests between the Frencli and English occurred at Port Royal ; but in lGr?7, it was again restored to France by treaty. War having been declared in 1701, Port Royal, after two unsuccessful attacks, was taken by afjrce from Massachusetts, and at the peace in 1713, ii was, with the rest of Nova Scotia, finally ceded to Great Britain ; its name was then changed to An- napolis. The French colonists were expelled by'the British Government tn 1755, and the lands which they had left were occupied in 17G4 and 'G5 by emigrants, from the older British Colonies, nftw the United States. The county afterwards received a conside- rable number of Amjrican loyalists and disbanded sohliers. The population of the county in 1838 was 1198^. It is now about llOOO. The town of Annnpolis is pleasantly situated on a s!nill and highly cultivated peninsula, between i[\9 mouth of a smAll stream called Allen River and tha OP »OVA SCOTIA. 23 nna- and iran- Annapolis River. It is a compa(»-t littlo town ; but lias not increased rapidly. A village called Caledo- nia, has sprung- up on the opposite side of the river, and appears to bo thriving. The old'lbrt, origin- ally erected by the French, still remains, and is garrisoned by a company of soldiers. It forms an agreeable promenade to the inhaljitants of the town. Bridgetown is a prosperous town about ten milen Eastv/ard of Aimapolis, and has much the aspect of a New England village. Laurencctown is a small village. The finest and most populous part of this county is the large valley of the Annapolis river, which throughout its whole length, is thickly settled, and cultivated. As an agricultural district, its most marked characteristic is the number of fine orchards, and the extent of the cultivation of Indian co.ni ; which is greater than in any county of Nova Scotia except King's. 6. — king's county. King's County is bounded on the West by AnncV polis County ; on the North by Minas channel : on the East by Minas Basin ; and on the iSouth-cast by Lunenburg and Hants counties. Its principal Rivers are the Gaspereaux and Corn- wallis, both running into the Basin of Minas. The estuaries of these and some smaller streams are th« only harbours of the county. The surface of this county is beautiful and diver- sified, and, like the county of Annapolie, may b(? divided mto three natural districts. The first of those is the elevated rid^e of the Norih T?«r^-«- ■w^"' L -f w If, .. r , t n 6106RAPHY Mountain, terminating in the lofly promontaries of Blomidon and Cape Split. It contains much valua- ble soil of a very fertile quality, but the surface is often precipitous and stony. The second district is the broad and highly culti- vated valley of Cornwallis, in which the soil is a red sandy loam generally fertile. At the mouths of the rivers running through this valley, and on the neigh- bouring shore of Horton, there are about 7700 acres of dyked marsh land of excellent quality. The third district lies to the north of the valley of Cornwallis, and is hilly and elevated, but contains much fertile soil, and is in many places thickly set- tled. The narrow valley of the Gaspereaux river, which runs through this district, is of great beauty. The principal branch of industry in this county is agriculture, and the farms are generally well culti- vated and productive. The principal Towns and Settlements are Kent- ville, the county town, on the banks of Cornwallis river; Lower Horton, Cornwallis and Wolfville. At Wolfville are situated Acadia College, an in- stitution conducted hy three professors, under the control of the Baptist Association of Nova Scotia ; and a collegiate academy with two teachers. King's County was firs^t settled by the French, who built in Horton a village named Minas, and dyked much of the marsh land of the county. They were expelled with the other French Acadiansin 1755. 'J'he first English settlers were emigrants from Connecticut, who arrived in 1764 and took posses- sion of the lands formerly occupied by the French. The Townships of this County, are Horton, Corn wallis and Aylesford. f Q^ NOTA fiOOTiA.. The population of this county wa3 in 1838, 13709. It is now above 16000. The broad valley between the North and South mountains of King's County, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Province. Its gently undulat- ing surface, great breadth of cultivated land and marsh, its fine orchards, and the slopes and precipi- ces of the hills bounding it, all contribute to the at- tractiveness of its appearance. This valley is the principal seat of the population ; but there are good Bsttlements in New Canaan and other hilly por- tions of the southern half of the county. Kentvillo is a pretty village in a low and, sheltered vale sur- rounded by woods and hills. Though this county has been called the garden of the Province, the prac- tice of agriculture in it is not so skilful as in somo of tlie Eastern counties. 7. — THE COUNTY OP tUNBNBURO. Lunenburg is bounded on the South-west by Queen's county ; on the North-west by Annapolis and King's counties ; on the North-east by Hants and Halifax counties ; on the South-east by the At- lantic. The principal bays and harbours are Mahone Bay, a large indentation in the coast, containing nume- rous islands ; Lunenburg harbour, and the estuary of the La Have river. The largest rivers are the La Have, Petite and Gold rivers. The first of these is a large river con- nected with several lakes, the most important of which is Sherbrooke Lake. In this county is the promontory of Aspotagon, tfCki^iH^i^'!' r P1W I ^ 4' I ''11 , t. 9S •EOGRAPRr whose elevation, '^though not above 500 feet^ i« greater than that of any other headland on this coast, and makes it a noted landmark to navigators. The surface of Lunenburg is in general undulat- ing, but not elevated ; and the soil is somewhat sto- ny ; but on the shores of Mahone Bay, in the vio^i- nity of the town of Lunenburg, and of the La Have river, and in many other places, the soil is good and well cultivated. The principal exports are fisli, lumber and cattle ; and the shipping employed in carrying these, is in great part owned in the county. The principal towns and settlements are Lunen- burg, the county town, on the harbour of the same name ; Chester on the shore of Mahone Bay ; Bridge- v;ater on Lahave River ; New Dublin ; and New Germany on the La Have river. The tow^nships of this county are Chester, Lu- nenburg and New Dublin. Lunenburg was first settled by Germans and Swiss, invited by the British Government, who founded the town of Lunenburg in 175L In 1782, Lu- nenburg was greatly injured by being taken and plundered by American privateers, who took or des- troyed property the value of which was estimated at jC 13000. Chester was settled in 1760 by emigrants from New England. The population of this county in 1827 was 9405 ; in 1838, 12058. It is now about 15000. The town of Lunenburg is situated on a peninsula on the East side of the Harbour, on ground rising somewhat abruptly from the water's ex]ge. The town and shores of the harbour have, from several points of view, a fine appearance. Chester is a prcfc- iy irillagc, presenting from Boma pointa fine views of *;»-«l(iii)'i. i\-h^L OP NOVA ■COTIA. rr the shores of Mahone Bay and the numerous ialandsi which stud its surface. Bridgowater is a thriving little villaRO, and the advantage of being- at the outlet of the La Have River, enables it to carry on a largo trade, chiefly in lumber and cordwood. The Petito River and other agricultural districts have also a ])lea8ing appearance. This county has a large sur- face of cultivable soil, aiid a considerable part of the population is engaged in agriculture. Scientfic farming is, however, as yet little known. 6. — THE COUNTY OF HANTS. Hants is hounded on the North-west and North hy King's County and the Basin of Minas ; on tha East hy the Shubenacadie, which separates it from Colchcsier; and on the South hy Halifax and I/a- nenburg counties. The only large indenlation in its coast is the estu- ary of the Avon river, which receives the waters of most of the rivers of the county. The principal Rivers are the Kennetcoik, St. Croix and Avon ; and the Nine Mile and Five Mile Rivers, tributaries of the Shubenacadie. In conse- quence of the low level of the greater part of this county, and the height of the tides of the Bay of Fundy, the three first of these rivers and the Shube- nacadie river are remarkahle for the length of their tidal estuarieSj which form the only harbours of this county. The 'surface of Hants County is in general lo\y and ge itly undulating. In the southern part of tha county, however, there are more hilly districts, tha most elevated part of which is Ardoisa mountain. I : I 41 1^ tis OBOORAPHY The soil is in all the lower parts of the country, good and often very fertile ; and on the estuaries of the Avon and St. Croix, there are 2544 acres oi dyked marsh of the best quality. In the hilly di&- tricts the soil is oflen stony and unproductive. The useful minerals of Hants are gypsum, com- monly called plaster, and limestone^ The ^rst of ihese is largely quarried, especially near Windsor and the Shubeiiacadie, and forms the chief export of the county. The occupation of the greater part of the people is agriculture, and the country in the neighbourhood of the rivers, and on some parts of the shore of the Bay, is well cultivated ; but in the interior of the county, much valuable land is still unoccupied. The most important towns and settlements are Windsor, the county town, on the East side of the Avon estuary ; Hantsport on the west side of the same estuary ; Newport on the Kennetcook river ; Maitland at the mouth of the Shubenacadie, Fal- mouth, Noel and Nine mile river. The most important educational institutions are King's College, near Windsor, conducted by two professors, on the principles of the Church of Eng- land ; and the Windsor Academy. The townships of Hants county are Windsor, Falmouth, Newport, Kempt, Rawdon and Doug- las. The first settlers in Hants were the French, who occupied part of the township of Windsor. Their lands, immediately after their expulsion, were granted chiefly to persons residing in Halifax. The oiiicr parts of the county were settled between the years 1759 and 1784, by emigrants from New Eng- land and the North of Ireland, and by loyalists from the Carolinas and disbanded soldiers. \ OP NOYA SCOTIA. 29 Tho population in 1838 was 11399. It is now probably 14000. Windsor is a rather well built town, situated in a beautiful agricultural district. In its close vicini- ty there are large gypsum quarries and fine tiacta of marsh land. Hants port and Newport are small villages, the former inhabited chiefly by sean en and ship-masters, the latter an agricultural place. — Maitland is a small village, and is the principal seat of tho trade of the Shubenacadie river. It carries on a considerable trade in ehips, lumber and gypsum. The County of Hants includes a very large breadth of fertile soil, not surpassed by any in the Proviuce. Agriculture is however, in many of the setllements in a rather backward state ; tlie soil having been much impoverished by supplying hay to the Halifax juarket. 9. — THE COUNT/ OF HALIFAX. Halifax County is bounded on the West by Lu- nenburg ; on the North by Hants, Colchester and Pictou ; on the East by Guysborough ; and on tha South by the Atlantic. Its most impoiiiuit Bays are Margaret's Bay, and <.1iebucto Bay or Halifax harbour ; i)ut beside these there are numerous safe harbours and inlets along tho whole coast. The principal rivers are the Musquodoboit, which the largest river in the county ; the Middle River of Sheet Harbour ; the Sackville River ; and the Shu- l)enacadie, which rises in this oonnty, and after passing through a chain of lakes, runs ibr some (!ij»- A *i "~Ti""^- •;;i''~*^"-"~'-'" '- "~-"*- • ^ ! 3(^ flCOOKAPKV. tance along tho boundary between Halifax and' Hants. The lakesof Halifax county are generally small. The Grand Lake of tho Shubenacadie is the largest. The surface of this county is generally uueven and rocky, and in many parts very sterile. On tho margins of the rivers, however, especially of tho Musquodoboit, there are tracts of good soil ; and reir the town of ilalil'ix, very stony soils have been- .rendered productive. The principal towns are Halifax and Dartmouth, both on the harbour of Halifax. The most impor- tant agricultural oettlements are those of the jMusquo- doboit river. On the coast are numerous settle- ments, the people of which are chiefly employed in the fisheries. The City of Halifax is tho capital of Nova Scotia, and the principal naval and military station in the Lower Provincps. It was incorporated in 1841. — Its population is about 2G,0G0. The trade of Halifax is extensive, as it is tbt» principal depot for the importation of British, Euro- pean and West Indian goods, and for the export ef the produce of the fisheries. The principal public buildings in Halifax, are tho Province building, containing apartments ior tho Legislative Council, House of Assembly, Supreme Court, and various Provincial Officers ; the Govern- ment House, occupied by the Lieutenant Governor ; Dalhousie College, the Penitentiary and Poor-house. The British Government have erected at Halifax an extensive dockyard for refitting ships of war ; bar- racks for the troops stationed at Halifax ; and a frtrong fortification on Citadel Hill, overlooking the town. Th9 City of Halifax »^'as founded in 1717, by \ \ and! OF MOTA BCOtlA. ft English, Irish and German emigrants, brought thi- ther at the expense of the British Covernniciit. Dartmouth was founded in 1750, but in 1750 it was destroyed by tlic Indianji. In 1784 it was again settled by emigrants from Nantueket, most of whom removed in 17i)3. Sinfcc that time its population has gradually incn.-ased. The townships of this county are Halifax, Dart- imnnth, L'.iurencetown and Preston. Tlie population of Halifax in 1838 wns 28570. It is no'.v about 38,000. The county of Halifax extends for about 80 mile* along the rocky and barren south coast of the Pro- vince; and W4tb the exception of the valley of tho Musquodoboit Hiver, contains little fertile soil. — Many parts of its coa^t are, however, ofgi-eat valu« for the prosecution of the fishery. The City of Ha- lifax is situated on the West Jiide of the harbour ; on the slope of an eminence crowned by the citadel. It presents a fine appearance from the water, and its harbour is one of the best in the world. The appear- ance of its principal streets has of late years been much improved, and it has been supplied with water led in by pipes, gas, communication by electric tele- graph, and other conveniences proper to large towns. Dartmouth on the East side of Halifax harbour is a large village, and may be viewed as a suburb of the capital, with which it is connec\ed by a steara ferry. Halifax is supported by its foreign and coun- try trade, the garrison, the Provincial government and a few manufactures. 10. — THB COUNTY OF C0LCHE8TBR. Colcli«st«T ia boujaded ob th« Nortk and West by ^mamiJium I rVifi".^-* h H nt OEOC.RAPHY Tatanngoiielic Ray and Oumhorland county ; on tlia South-west by (Johoquid Bay and tho Slmbcnacadio river : on tho South hy HaliiUx county ; and on the East by Pictou county. lis principal hills arc tlioso forminir tho eastern part of the Cohoquid chain, and oxtendiunr westward from Earl ton alon!? the whole length of the county. Its hays are Cohequid JJay, tho extremity of th6 northern arm of the Bay of Fundy, and Tatama- pouche Bay on the shore of Northumberland Strait. 'J'hesebays arc the ouly harbours of the county. Its principal rivers are the Stewiacke, a largo tributary of the Shubenacadie ; the Salmon, North, Chiganois, Do Bert, Folly, Great Village, Porta- piquo and Economy Rivers, running into Cohequid Bay, Frencli and Waugh's Rivers, running into Tatamagouohe Bay. The surface of Colchester Is very diversified, and has a great variety of soils. The northern part, bordering on Taramagouche Bay is low and level or gently undulating", and tho prevailing soil is a fertile sandy loam. The hilly districts extending from Earlton along the Cohequid chain, present a succession, of ridges and valleys, in their natural state, 'clothed with hard- wood forests. The soils are often stony, but in some places are of great fertility. The part of the county south of the Cohequid ridge has an undulating surface, generally suscep- tible of cultivation, though in some parts light and gravelly. It includes much river intervale, and valu- able marsh lands on the shore of Cobequid Bay. The most valuable minerals of this county are, iron ore, a large deposit of which occurs in the rear of Londonderry township ; coal, of which there are email beds in various places ; gypsum and limestone. li )n tlio ic:i(lio bn the (astern jtward lounty. l)f th6 lUfima- Strait. OF NOVA SCOTIA. 33; I '1 / Tl»c principal occupation of tlio people of Colches- ter ia agriculture ; sliip-buildinp and the lumber trade arc also carried on, especially at Tatama- gouche. The principal towns and sottlemcnts are Trnro, the county town, at the head ofC 'obequid Bay; Ta- tamajjouchc on the shore of NorlhumN-rland straits; and tiio sctth'monts of Onslow, Londonderry, Econo- my, Stewiacke and Karlton. The townships of C^olchester are Truro, Onslow, Londonderry and Stirling. Colchester was first sottlod hy Acadian French, who cultivated the marshes ol" Londonderry, Onslow and Truro. After their expulsion, these townships were occupied by emigrants from the north of Ireland and Massachusrtls. Tiio population of Colchester in 1838, was 11,225 It is now about IGOOO. Truro is a scattered, but beautiful village, in the centre of a very fine agricultural district. The Stewiacke River in the southern part of the county, possesses an extent of intervale probably greater than that of any other river in Nova Scotia. The belt of country extending along the South side of the Cobequid hills, is a thickly settled and flourish- ing district, and its importance has recently been much increased by the opening of the valuable iron mines of the Londonderry hills, and the discovery of marble, sulphate of barytes and copper ores, at the Five Islands. Tatamagouche on the Northern coast, carries on an extensive trade in ships and lum- ber; and on the banks of the French and Waugh'a Rivers, and the hills of New Annan and Earlton, there arc fine agricultural settlements. Li t 14 «iooRAP»r. ll.—^THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND. Cumberland is bounderl on the Nortli by Nortliurt- bsrland Straits ; on tlie Northwest by New Brung* wick> Cumberland Basin and Chiegnerto Bay, and on the South and South-east by Minas Channel and Basin, and the county of Colchester. • Its principal harbours are Pu^^wash and Wallace on the north coast ; Cumberland Basin, Apple River, Advocate Harbour and Partridge Island on the coast of the Bay of Fundy. Its largest rivers are the Hebert, Maccan and Na- pan, running inlo Cumberland Basin ; the Partridge island river running into*j|Minas Basin ; and the Wal* lace, Philip and Shinimicas running into Northum- berland Straits. Its principal range of hills is the Cobeqnid chain, vtrhich extends eastward from Chiegnecto till it en- ters Colchester county. It forms a broad and rather extensive tract of broken and elevated land. The surface of the northern part of Cumberland is undulating, and nearly all the land is susceptible of cultivation, though much of it is light and sandy. — The best uplands are those near the shore of North- umberland Straits, but near Cumberland Basin there are valuable and extensive tracts of dyked marsh. The southern part of the county, including the hilly districts of the Cobequid chain, and the coast of the Minas Channel and Basin, is generally uneven and stony, but contains some fertile land. The most valuable minerals of Cumberland ate coal which occurs at the Joggins, Maccan River and Spring Hill , gypsum, limestone and sandstone,. The principal branches of industry pui'sued in thi» eounty, are agriculture, shipbuildings and lumbering, which ftre txtensively carried on, especially oa the or vorx scotia. )< ' Nortliurt- ew Brung- I Bay, and as Channel id Wallace pple River, m the coast an and Na- e Partridge id the Wal* 3 North urn- quid chain, I till it en- and rather id. ibcrland is Bceptible of :1 sandy. — 3 of North- Basin there marsh. ng the hilly joast of the lly uneven )erland ate scan River sandstone, sued in this lumbering, allyoo th« tiorthem coast; and tha (Quarrying of grlnJatono and coal mining which are pursued at the Joggins. The principal towns and villages are Amherst, the county town, near Cumberland Basin; Pu^wasU and Wallace on the shore of Northumberland Strait; Mill Village andParrsboro, on the Minas Basin. The townships of Cumberland are Amherst, Wallace and Parrsboro'. The first settlers in Cumberland were French emigrants, some of whose descendants still remain in the county. 'J'he earliest British settlers were emigrants from the New England States, Yorkshire and the North of Ireland. The population of Cumberland in 1827 was 5416 ; in 1838, 7572-. It is now about 9000. Cumberland is a large county, thickly settled «,long its shores, but having large tracts of unculti- vated land in its interior. Amherst is a neat village, on a level platenu ovcrlcroking the extensive mnr.'^hea at the head of Cumberland Basin. Pugwas^i and Wallace are rapidly growing and considerable villa- geSj carrying o« an extensive trade in s^hips and lumber; and surrounded by large agricultural settle- «nents^ the principal nf which are those of the Gulf shore and Wallace River. River Philip, Maccan River, Hebert River and Minudie, have good agri- cultural settlements. The settlement of the Jog- gins derives considerable importance from its coal mines and grindstone quarries. Advocate Harbm r and Mill village are the principal seats of ship-bui'd* Ing, lumbering and the coasting trade, on the soi Ui •os« . «t--W^.._ L ^.^^^fff^^m^^^iii^'- ' St> ■ of all the rivers. The useful minerals of this county are coal, iron ore, freustone, gypsum and limestone. 'i'lie/'principal exports are coal ; ships and lumber; n.q-ricultural produce, especially oatmeal, pork and bulter ; grindstones and freestone. The cool exported from Pictou is procured at the All-ion Mines on the East river. 'I'he quantity ship- ped in 1650 was 07,382 chnldrons. Thi^ nviiicipal towns and villaacs are Pictou, the M» i" . . ^ aniv tov.n, on the north side of Pictou harbour; I hfiaiiiiaiil ht by trait ; Ha- riboo, OF NOVA SCOTIA. It New Glasgow and the Albion Mines on the East River ; Bellevue on the River John and Durham on the West River. The agricultural settlements are' numerous and extensive. The principal educational institution is Pictou Academy, founded in 1816, and at present conduct- ed by three professors. It is under no denomination- al control. The townships of this county are Pictou, Egerton and Maxwellton. The first settlers in Pictou were emigrants from- Maryland, who arrived in 1765. They were joined,- eight years afterward, by 30 families from the High- lands of Scotland. The greater part of the present population consists of Scotsmen aud their descen- dants. The population of Pictou in 1838, was 21,449. It is now about 26,000. Pictou bts a larger agricultural population than- any of the other counties, and in its older settle- ments, the art of farming is in a more advanced condi- tion than in most other parts of the Province. The town of Pictou is closely and somewhat irregularly built, on a slope fating the south, on the North side of Pictou harbour. Its site is agrdfeable, and its streets and buildings have recently been much ex- tended and improved* Several of the latter are of stone. Shipbuilding is extensitely carried on at the town of Pictou and other places in the harbour; and agricultural produce, lumber and building stone are exported. J^ew Glasgow is a lal*ge and thriving village, exporting lumber, ships and agricultural pro- duce. The Albion Mines are surrounded by a con- siderable population, engaged principally in the mining and transport of coal. The excavations at t^e Albion Mines are very extensive, and are drained ■ irtiiT r>iimitfil»i'i« souti! -/tt%tttr.el;tirrh'^ ■■" '""- ^- geei mercantile establishment in the Harbour. Thd coal is conveyed from the mines to the Bar by a rail- >iray. The mines are situated at the very mouth of the harbour, on a rounded promontory, on one side facing the Atlantic, and on the other the harbour. — The natural features of this county are very varied and often of great beauty, and its mineral resources are not inferior to those of any other county in the Province. SABLE ISLAND. Sable Island is a dependency of Nova iSeotia. It is situated between north latitude 44*^ and 44° 1' ind between west longitude 60*» 12' and 69® 40'. It is dis- tant from Cape Canseau about 87 geographical miles. Its breadth varies from 1 to 2 miles and its length ii 25 miles. It consists of sand thrown up by the sea and wind, and forming hillocks, some of whicii arfe 100 feet in OP If 0^1 tOATU^ Iff *ftTO eml- iheir dca- 20,000.— lid not in* ed on the 3 Harbour; ides of the ir at North gf the place of the lar- >our. Thd ir by a rail' y mouth of >n one side harbour.— ery varied resources inty in the lieight. The ^eater part of its surface is eoTeree extremely dangerous to navigators. For this reason there are stationed on the Island a superintendent aud several men, who are supported at the joint expense of the governments of Nova Sco- tia and Great Britain, for the purpose of rescuing and aiding shipwrecked seamen. POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL INSTI- TUTIONS. Scotia. It iV> r atnd It is dis- lical miles. ts length ii and wind, [00 feet in THE EXBCUTIVE. The chief Executive Offkier is the Lieutenant Go- vernor, appointed by x\w crown, of which|he is the immediate representMive m the colony. He administers the Grovernment with the advice of an Executive Council, usually consisting of nine members, appointed by the crown ; but whose conti- nuance in office depends on the wishes of the peopid «s expressed by their representatives. The Governor has the power of appointing the iudget Of the Courts of Common Law, the Custos ii •BOGIAPUY and Magistrates of the Counties, and generally all such officers as are not usually appointed by the Bri- tish Government. These last he can also appoint temporarily, till the appointments in Britain are made known. He can pardon criminals, except in cases of murder or high treason, and has the power of calling General Assemblies. The Governor may also act as commander-in-chief, in which capacity he has the command of the mili- tia; and, if a senior officer, of the army within tha Province* LEGISLA.TIVB BODIES. ' II The Legi^ature of the Province consists of two Iiranche8,|the Legislative Council and the House of Assembly. -^ The Legislative Council consists of members appointed for life, by the Crown. It has the power of rejecting or amending Bills sent to it by the House of Assembly, and, also of originating Bills, which must, however, be submitted to the Assembly. It cannot originate money bills. The House of Assemblv consists of member* elected every four years, by the counties and town- ships. It has the power of investigating the public accounts, appropriating the Provincial revenue, le- vying taxes ; and in general of legislating on any of the internal affairs of the Colony, which may bo brought, under its notice by the Government, its own members or the petitions of the people. The acts of the Legislative bodies aresubjectto tho approval or rejection of th« Oovernment of Great Britain. • . , • ' •; Tally all • the Bri- appoint ritain are except in he power r-in-chief, the mili- vithin tha sis of two J House of f members the power the House Us, which lembly. It f members and town- the public B venue, le- T on any of ih may be jnt, its own abject to tha it of Great V . - - ' >• (V If OVA tCOTtA. IVDICIAL INSTITUTIONS. 4l9 Tlie principal Courts of Justice are the Court of Chancery, Court of Error and Appeals, Supreme Court, Court of Vice Admiralty, Probate Court, Court of Marriage aud Divorce, Court of General Sessions, and Justices' Courts. In the Court of Chancery the Lieutenant Governor is chancellor ; but the Master of the HoUs is the act- ing and responsible Judge. The duty of this Court is to decide causes which cannot be justly settled by the strict rules of common law. An appeal lies from the decision of the Master of the Rolls, to the Chancellor and the Judges of the Supreme Court, and from these to the Queen in Council. The Court of Error and Appeals is formed of the Governor and Council ; before whom judgments amounting to £300 and upwards may be reviewed. An appeal lies from it to Her Majesty in Council. The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice «nd four assistant Judges. Its jurisdiction extends to all criminal and civil suits, nut including debts under jC5, except in cases of appeal from Justices* Courts. Its proceedings are regulated by the forms and rules of common law. The Court of Vice Admiralty has one Judge, holding a commission from the Governor. It decides maritime causes and the disposal of prizes taken in War, and has jurisdiction over capital offences com- mitted upon the high seas. The Court of Probate relates to the disposal of the estates of deceased persons. The Governor is tha h^ad of this Court; but Surrogate Judges in each of the coimtiesi are appointed to transaol its bua* inesi^ ;i .^r <((!^ \ i aaw- % Widfllii^iif. * Th« Court •f Marriage and DiToree eonsists of tha Governor and Council, and has jurisdiction over alJ matters relating to prohibited marriages, matrimo- nial rights, and divorce. The General Sessions are local courts held in each county, by the Justices and Grand Jury, for the re- gulation of county taxes and other local affairs. Justices' Courts have power of adjudication on debts not exceeding ten pounds. When the debt does not amount to three pounds, they may be held by one Justice ; when it exceeds that amount, two justices are required to form the court. An appeal lies from them to the Supreme Court. The Justices have also powei to investigate tres- passes committed upon lands, where the titles to the lands do not come in question ; they are also em- powered to institute process at the suit of the Crown, against persons committing an assault and battery, and at their discretion to bind parties over to appear at the next sitting of the Supreme Court, or to fine them in any sum not exceeding two pounds, with cos:s. From this decision no appeal lies to the Su- jjreme Court, except by a writ of that court ordering the_^cause_to_be_brought before it.* 1/ RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. In the present work, Religious denominations are noticed only in reference to the geographical distri- bution of their adherents, t ' ' r , r • •! rwhnicalljr called n Writ cf Certiorari mmmm immmtmmmit ista of tho over alj matrimo- [id in each »r the re- lairs. [cation on the debt be held ount, two \.n appeal gate tres- tles to the also em- ;he Crown, id battery, to appear or to fine ands, with ;o the Su- rt ordering fS. lations ara cal distri- r.i I Of MOYA SCOtU. Ai 'rh« p«ople of Nova Scotia, in referenoo to their religious profession, may be included under the two ger.pral heads of Protestants and Roman Catholics ; the former being much moro numerous than tho latter. ' PROTESTAHTa. ' '' '' 1. The Established Church of England, — The ad- herents of this church, are scattered through all parts of the Province, being most numerous however, in . the central and Western counties. This church has settled clergymen in 35 ofthe towns and settlements; under the control of a Bishop who exercises ecclesi- astical jurisdiction oier this church in Nova Scotia and e.' .M Edward Island. 2. Presbyterian Church. — The majority of the people of Pictou and Colchester, belong to this church; and its adherents are very numerous in the Island of Cape Breton, and the counties of Cumber- land, Guysboro, Halifax and Hants. In the other counties they are comparatively few. The Presby- terians are sub-divided .into : 1st. the Established Church of Scotland, having live settled ministers: 2nd,the FreeChurch of Nova Scotia, having 1.5 settled ministers ; and 3rdly, the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, having 30 settled ministers. There aie a few congregations not connected with any of these bodies. 3. The Associated Baptist Churches. — The adher- ents of this denomination are most numerous in th« Western counties; in several of which they form tho majority <>ftho Protestant population. It has 48 i I ! I •ettled mlnisten, 69 of whom are in (ha oountiet of King's, Annapolis and Digby. Tnere are, in the Western part of the Province, four smaller Ik Hes of Baptists, not connected witU the Associatio^i, and having in all 17 ministers. 4. The Wesleyan Methodist Church.— -The adhe- rents of this body are most numerous in the central and Western counties. It has 24 missionaries. 6. The Congregational or Independant Church.-^ The adherents of this body are most numerous in the Townships of Queens, Yarmouth and (Halifax. It has only 6 ministers in the Province 6. The Evangelical Lutheran Church.— -A. consi- derable part of the German population of Lunenburg belong to this body. There are in the Province members or societies of several other Protestant denominations, but their Bumbers are comparatively small. ■r ROMAN CATHOLICS. The maj )rity of the people of the county of Syd- ney, and of the townships of Clare and Argyle, be- long to this church. Its adherents are also very numerous in the eity of Halifax, and in the Island of Cape Breton. In other parts of the Province they are comparatively few. It has tw» Bishops, tw9 Vinn General and 30 FrieMv. r.5Hv-^+M^' 1^ kuntlM of .■.. ^ •* ':: . ^."J ^:!^-:i,y.^j •i-^r^ ''.i.',i\v.i^^^ ■ J 't > ■••..-^^.a i** I ;.» -j -A consi- Lunenburg societies of but their Section n.— Natural HiBtory. The Natural History of our country is worthy of Btudy on account of the great importance of many natural objects and processes to our subsistence and comfort ; on account of the interest and beauty con- nected with nearly everything in nature ; and on, account of the evidence which it affords of the power, wisdom and goodness of the Creator. I— CLIMATE. ty of Sydl- Vrgyle, be- also very be Island of ovince they itbops, two >>'%>-' The climate of a country depends mainly upon its distance from the Equator. In going from the equa- tor toward the poles, the climate becomes colder, and its extremes of cold and heat greater. On this aocountj^tbe globe is divided into zones, usually nam* ed the Torrid, Temperate and Frigid. ; Climate aieo depends on the comparativd surface and tho e ocean ; circiim- less ex- >anada. e are as 5 43° of cold 24'* B shade, n which 100 hot in sum- r. les. Of form of 30Ut 8^ id nortlt s often ^est and in win- 1 1 tor intensely cold ; the south-west is mild &hd itgre^' able, but in spring and autumn sometimes showery and violent ; the south and south-east winds are rainy and often stormy, and on the Atlaritic coast frequent* ly accompanied by fog. The north-east wind is in sammer wet and disagreeable, and in winter brings heavy snow storms. The first quarter of the year includes the depth of winter. January is ofte.". the coldest month, its mean temperature being usually below 20°. Febru- ary is seldom much warmer than January, and sometimes colder ; and March is still cold and win- try, though its mean temperature sometimes rises 8° higher than that of January. 'I'he mean tempe- rature of the quarter is 22", and the weather is ge- nerally clear and frosty, with occasional rain and snow storms. The second quarter includes the transition from winter to summer. In April the snow and ice of tvinter generally disappear, migratory birds begin to arrive, and the temperature rises to 35 ® , though there are still occasional falls of snow. In May the remainder ofthe migratory birds arrive, the trees put forth their leaves, and sowing is usually completed. In June the country presents the aspect of summer, the trees being in full leaf and many wild flowers in bloom ; and the mean temperature exceeds 60 ® . The mean temperature of this quarter is about 49 ® . The third quarter includes the warmest part of summer and the commencement of autumn. July is the warmest month, its mean temperature exceed- ing 65 ® , and the heat in sunny days becoming op- pressive, though mitigated by occasional showers: Airild strawberries ripen. In August the tempera- ture begins to diminish, cherries and other early ftuitt rlpel^ tnd harreM begins. In September tba mean temperature h\U vo about 56 ® , the nights be« oome sufficiently frostv to destroy tender plants, though the days are still warn ; and migratory birds begin to depart. In the latter part of this quarter there are often violent storms; its mean temperature is about 63 ^ . The last quarter embraces the autumn and 'earlier {>art of winter. In October the temperature falls be- ow 50 ® , the leaves of the trees change their co- lours and begin to fall, late fruits are gathered and harvest is concluded. In November the days are still oflen agreeable, but the nights are usually cold, and in the latter part of the month there are violent storms of snow and rain. December is a winter month, in it the temperature falls to about 26 ® ; the inland waters freeze, and there are usually heavy snow storms. The mean temperature of this quar- ter is aboiTt 35 '^ . The local varieties of climate are considerable.— In the south-western parts of theProvnice, the cli- mate is more equable and mild-thai^ in the eastern counties ; but in winter there is more wet weather, and in summer the coast is often enveloped in fog.— In the eastern parts of the Province the winters are more steady and dry, and fog scarcely ever appears on the coasts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence ; but the ac- cumulation of ice, during winter, in the Gulf, cau- ses the spring to be colder and and more tardy in its approach. The agricultural productions of Nova Scotia ar^ similar to those of the middle and 'northern parts of Europe, and of the Northern States. The staple Crops are wheat) oatcji barley, the potatoe and tux* , \ \ . I OK NOTA tOOTlA. .« m nip. Applet, pears, cherries, plunia, ailtheamall garden fruits, ani the ordinary garden vegetables, are produced abundantly. Early varieties of Indian corn ripen. The peach, grape and melon do !iot ripen in the open air, except in the finest exposures and seasons. 1 1 .~G E L G T . Geology treats of the nature^ arrangement, origin, and us6softhe rocks, which in all parts of the vvor'.d underlie the surface soil, or project above tho sur- face.* Rocks may be arranged according to their origin, in three great classes, viz : 1. Igneous, or those which, like the lava of volcan- ic mountains, have been poured from the interior of the earth in a melted state. They usually occur in the forms of large irregular masses and thick veins ; and are often crystalline in their texture. Granito and Trap belong to this class. i ;i' • The word *r3ck' in Geology includea hardened clays, marls and similar 6ub8tance« ; und rocks in place or in mass are disUDgiiMhed from Itxtce atonea. This part of the work may be made more interesting and instructive, by School cullsctioni of th« FQ$J^s «viid minerals of the ueighboaiing couatry. — JiXJL.1 (B6 •Wkr^mkh niflTonT. 8. AgueouSj or those which have been deposited by tRIMARY SYSTEM. The Primary System consists. In Nova Scotia, principally of granite, quartz rock, clay slate, ana mica slate. Granite is one of the earliest known products of the volcanic or igneous forces of the earth. It cOn^ sists of three minerals, Quartx or Flint, Felspar an^ Mica. In the granite of Nova Scotia, tbo quartt it X^.!;;, ositedby iened.— or lay- isions of regetabla id-8tone| deposit- alf melt- 118 kinds iccording in which nd these sotia be- , in as- r to the ystem. Scotia, ite, ana toots of It ebnr Bparan<| asm it \ • OP KOVA flCOTIA. ft9 Qflnally colourless, the felspar white or reddish, and the mica in dark coloured or silvery shining scales.* Quartz rock is a hard flinty rock of granular tex- ture and usually of grey or whitish colour. It ge- nerally occurs in bed? or thick layers, and is pro- bably sandstone hardened and altered by subterrano' an heat. It is sometimes improperly called whin- etone. Clay Slate is distinguished by its fine texture, and lamination or property of splitting into thin plates. — Some of the varieties found in Nova Scotia are fine grained, with glistening surfaces; others are coarse and hard. The prevailing colour is a dark elate. This rock often contains iron pyrites or sul- phuret of iron, which becoming decomposed, when exposed to the weather, gives it a rusty appearance. In consequence of this, some varieties of slate are locally known by the name of *• ironstone." Mica slate is a mixture of mica and quartz, divisi- ble like common slate into laminae or plates. The primary system occupies the counties of Yar- mouth, Shelburne, Queen's, Lunenburg and Hali- fax, the southern part of Digby, Annar'iis, King's and Hants counties, and the southern half of Guys- boro\ It also occupies the northern part of -Cape Breton^ * These three mineralf can be diBtinguished in sny piece of granite, and form an example of the fact that rocki are usually mixture* of mineral sabtitnn- eoB ; and alstb illustrate v'hat ii eailed erystallim textifre. r y*^' I 601 mkTVtLAh UISTOIY. 1 1 ' In an these dislricUi rocks of the kinds above des- cribed prevail. G ranite is, however, especially abundant in southern Guysboro. Halifax, Shel- burne and southern \ntiapolis ; Quartz rock in southern Gu/sboro', Halifax and Queen's ; Clay sliite in Halifd , southern Hants, Lunenburg, and south- ern Digby ; and Mica slate in Northern Capo Bre- ton, Guysboro, Queens and Sliulburne. Useful minerals have not yet been found in this system, though indications of metallic ores have been seen in several places ; it has, however, as yet been lntle explored. The granite which abounds in it, is oftru of excellent quality for building and lor milJ-stones. but has not yot been worked to any great extent. 'J'he surface of the primary districts is usually rugged and uneven ; and their soils very stony. The districts in which clay slate prevails, for instance, Lunenburg and Yarmouth, have, however, much more pioductive soils than those in which quartz rock and granite prevail. V • • THE SILURIAN SYSTEM. , The Silurian System is the oldest fossil iferous pystem of geologists. In Nova Scotia it consists principally of slates, shales, grits and thin bedded coarse limestones, sometimes filled with fossil shells. In many parts of the Province, the rocks of this system are very much altered by heat, being converted into quartz and slate much resembling those of the older metamorphic system; and associ- ated with syenite, greenstone, porphyry and other igneous rocks. "'he slates of this system in Nova Scotia are often i iv oyr HOVA icoTiA ei I m pdrfeot in their slaty structuro as thosd of the pri« raary system, bat diflfor from thom in containing fot- •iis, and in presenting a greater variety of coloura. Its shales, grits and limestones, aro mixtures in yarious proportions, ofchiy, sand and carbonate of lime. They are usually hard, thin-bedded and dark coloured. ►Syenite isacrystalline Igncousroek, nc'arly related to granite, but containing a black or dark green rpii- neral named hornblende^ instead of mica. ■-' Greenstone and porphyry are igneous rocks, ge- nerally less perfectly crystalline than syenite. Tl i first is a.mixture of felspar, usually white, and hornblende usually block or greenish. The second consists of a base of hornblende rock or compact fel- epar, with crystals of lighter coloured felspar dis- persed through it. The fossils of the Silurian system in Nova Scotia, are marine shells, crustacaa and corals, all of spe- cies now extinct. In Nova Scotia proper, the silurian system and its igneous rocks, occupy two long and irregular belts, one extending along the Cobequid chain of hills, tho other extending through the centre of Digby, Anna- polis and King s, the south of Hants, Colchester and Pictou, and the hills of Sydney. These two belts include the highest hills of the Province. In Cape Breton the silurian system probably occu- pies a considerable space, but its general limits are not vet well ascertained. The useful minerals of this system are ire r -' re, which occurs in large quantity at Nictaux and de- ments, at Folly mountain in Londonderry, and at the East river of Pictou ; limestone, which does not however abound in this system ; and roofiug slate. — Copper ores have also been recently discovtrtd in it. --rrr I !1 .j't t- \ 01 VATtfftAk aiSTOftl Tho turihoe where the rocks of this aystem pre*, fatly is generally hilly and often stony, but affords soils which are always much superior to those of the primary districts) and are oilen very fertUe. TH8 0ARB0Nir£R0U8 SYSTEM. The Carboniferous System is newer than the Silu- rian, and in most parts of Noya Scoiia rests imme- diately upon it. The rocks composing this system, in Nova Scotia, are red and grey sandstones, shales, conglomerates, gypsum, limestone and coal. All of these are strati^ed or bedded, and alternate with e&ch other. Conglomerate consists of gravel or rounded frag- ments of stone, cemented together, and forming 2i rock often of considerable hardness. Sandstone is silicious sand cemented into stone. It varies much in colour and hardness. In Nova Scotia its usual colours are fed, buff and grey; and some varieties are so soft as to crumble in the fin- gers, others nearly as hard as quartz rock. The coarser and pebbly varieties approach the conglome- rates in their texture, and the finer, composed of fine sand intermixed with clay, pass into shales. The shale of the coal formation consists of clay of various degrees of hardness, and oflen divisible into thin layers. Its prevailing colours are reddish, brown, grey and black. Gypsum is the sulphate of lime. Two speciesare found in Nova Scotia, common gypsum or, '* plaster'* which contains about 21 per cent of water, and is so soft that it can be scratched by the nail ; and anhy- drous gypsum or " hard plaster," which coatains no water and 19 much harder than^tho cooomoa vuiety« i ^■a*'^rt-,»^a,,^^■^>^.,„.,, or HOYA tCOTU*. es Both Tarieties of gypsum abound in the carbonife- rous system of Nova Scotia, forming in some plaoee very thick beds. Limestone is the carbonate of lime. Numerous beds of this rock, varying much in colour and quali- ty, occur in the carboniferous system of Nova Sco« tia. The coal of Nova Scotia is of the bituminous and caking variety. The beds hitherto discovered are not numerous, but some of them are very large uad valuable, and are extensively worked. The aggregate thickness of the carboniferous ays* tern in Nova Scoria is rery great ; and it may be usefully divided into three subordinate groups, nam* ed respectively, the older, middle and newer. In the older carboniferous series, the prevailing rocks are reddish sandstones, shales, conglomerates and marls, including beds of grey and dark shale, limestone and gypsum. This series includes all the most important beds of limestone and gypsum ; and in some places its fizsures contain valuable deposits of brown hematite, a variety of iron ore, and sul- phate of Barytes, a substance used in the mamufao- ture of paints. The middle carboniferous series includes the cotl measures, properly so called, which contain pro- ductive beds of coal. The prevailing rocks in this group are grey and dark coloured sandstones and shales, with a few reddish beds. It includes all the valuable beds of coal in the Province, and also lay- ers of clay-ironstone and beds of freestone and grind- stone. In the newer carboniferous series reddish sand- stones, shales and conglomerates again prevail, though there are numerous grey beds. This series I i was and highly •»'«'«f '"^„3„uties of shells, coials older part <">]<«="" f'^f-rten in a very P«fect andscalMand '»* °^ f^w fossil plants ; its m'ddle condition, as well ?« » *f * ^^ quantities of vege- and ne«-et parts, If^*"; '*^ff; Tnclade a great yati- table matter in «he /omi «f coal, ^^^ ^^^,„g ,heir etv of leates and trunM "' ^ j s^ucture very fSn^ and sometimes *«« ^"^^^f/ remains of the • perfectly preserved. ■^'' f" ecies now extmct. carboniferous system are »' »?!" jes a small part The carboniferous system »?«"P ;, ,„,i middle of 'he east of King's County • he n^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ of Hants; the greater part o^^J^^^^_, pjetou and Chester; the l»«>™/% "trough. I" C»P? ^"1 Sydney, and part »f /^"/.tr p^Jtern part of Cape ton it occupies •"»* "^^^ part of Richmond and Breton county, and a great pa Inverness. ^ , uio Vipds of coal are the nor- The localities of valuable b^s^ ^,_^ j 3 thern part of f''™''<'I^''"f -Rt^rof i*ictou, where «nd Soring hill ; the East R"". °V province oc- "he Slstbed yettocov«ed ^"^^^/county, es- curs; the eastern part of C-^Pf ^^j^em part of Col- peciiUy at North Sydney . '^^^^^^^ y^ Osoover- ^tSesoftheJrono^^^^^^^^^^ -Bvstem are them^ulh of l^^«J" ^f hematite occur T?ast river of Pictou, where Neins , ^ ^oal mea- l;le older carboniferous Bystem , and Ypsnin; It af- grind- re nume- les of its s, corals perfect ts middle of vege- great vari- ing their jture very ins of the Ltinct. small part nd middle ds of Col- Pi ctou and Cape Bre- rt of Cape hmond and are the nor- the Joggins ctou, where Province oc- County, es- part of Col- ;en discover- sB county in carboniferous ;adie and the jmatite occur the eoal mei- Or KDVA teOTU •6 «uTes of Cnmberland, Colchester, Piclou and C«p« Breton, which contain beds of clay ironstone. The principal localities of beds of gypsum are the north and middle of Hants, various places in the «outh and middle of Colchester, the northern part of Cumberland, and Wallace in^its eastern part, the East river of Pictou, the neighbourhood of Anti- gonish in Sydney county ; various parts of the nor- thern shore of Bras D'Or lake in Cape Breton ; and Plaster Cove, Mabouand Lennox passage. Useful beds of limestone occur in all the localities of gypsum above mentioned, and in many other parts of the carboniferous districts. The surface of the carboniferous system is undu- lating, and sometimes rises into elevations of 500 feet in height. Its Goils vary from sandy loams to stiff clays, but are almost universally capable of cultivation, and include tho most valuable uplands in the Province. THE NEW RED SANDSTONS. The New Red Sandstone is a much later deposit than the carboniferous system, and probably corres- ponds with the upper new red sandstone of Europe. In Nova Scotia it consists entirely of red sandstone and red conglomerate, and is associated with great masses of trap. Trap is a dark coloured rock whose principal con-, stituent mineral is augite. It is similar in compo- sition and appearance to the lava of modern volcanoes ; ^ and has like it been ejected in a melted state, from the interior ef the ear'tii, In Novti S«?otia extensive I' i- ! I «6 KAtuiiAL HiSToar erupV'.'Js of this rock have occurred during the perl' (Od of the deposition of the new red sandstone. 'I'he new red sandstone occupies the isthmus con- necting Digby Neck with the main land, and the long valley extending from Annapolis to Minas Ba- sin ; it skirts the shore of Cobequid Bay, from the mouth of the Shubenacadie to Truro ; and extends along the north side of the Bay, in a narrow though continuous belt, from Truro to Moose river, and be vend that river ia isolated patches, as far as Cape D'Or. The I'rap associated with the new red sandstone, forms the range of hills extending from Cape Blomi- dori to Briar Island ; and on the opposite side of Minas Channel and Basin, several isolated patches* br^iwcen the Five Islands and Cape Chiegnecto, the Five Islands, Two Ishinds, Partridge Island, Spen- cer's Island and Tsle Haut. In most of these locali- ties, the trap rests on the new red sandstone. Neither useful minerals nor fossils have yet been found in the sandstone of this system. The trap- connected with it aflbrds abundance of agates, jas- pers and other forms of quartz, v^hich might be used for ornamental purposes. It also contains veins of Magnetic Iron ore and copper ore. The soils of the new red sandstone arc light and sometimes gravelly, butin general fertile. Those of the trap are rich, thongh the surface of the hills of this rock is often too precipitous to admit of their ea?y cultivation*. In addition to the formations above described, there ,rf«B>rx»j 1 1 1— Z OOLOGY. Zoology treats of the natural history of the Ani- mal kingdom, which consists of four great divisions cr sub-kingdoms. f. THE VERTBBRATED ANIMAJ^S, Forming the first great division of the animal kUar- dom ; are distinguished by possessing an intenjai bony skeleton. Thoy may bo arranged in Four 'I ! \.« •'*^'^-. ..«'—. H ukfvnkL mmfur •laMM. lat. Mammals, or those whrah brioff fbrtit their young alive aud suckle iTiom with milk. Sndlj. Birds. 3rdly. Reptiles, 4ti«ly. Fishes. CLASS Isi. — MAMMALS, Thii animals of this class indiofenous to Nora £00- tia belong to the foH owing Orders: lev Camivora or flesh eritinij:animal», 2ad. Rodentia or gnawing animals. 3rd . Ruminaiitia or ruminating ar.imals.^ ith, Oiacea^ the wlialc tribe. Crder I- -Carjuvora, \. The Bat, {V<'^vf:rtiJio.) — The Bats are diV titsguishud by the Iroud membrane stretched ovet their leg« ?:ciA the lengthened fingers of their foro feet, and vrhit^h enables them to ily. They prey on insects, -vvhich they take on the wing ; they are ac- tive only in the summer evenings, spending the day in hollow trees and similar places of concealment, and passing the winter in a state of torpidity. A fijnali .species is not uncommon in Nov., Scotia. 2.. The Star-nosed Mole, {Condylura LongicaU' data,) is a bun jwing animal, spending the greater part of its life underground, and feeding on worms- and grubs ; a mode of life for which its broad shovel- like fore feet, its firm and thick fur, its ^mall and deeply sunken eye«, and the delicate feelers sur- rounding the point of its nose, admirably fit it. Il spends the winter in a state of torpidity. 3. 'i'he Shrew Miwe, {Sorcx). — There are two' species of Shrew Mice in Nova Scotia, both verv small animals, one of them being the smallest quadruped in the Province. The;' tr« ftooturual ttsioiaU^ and pY&y on iasocU. ^.(•: iMMH W 50V A 0COTIA. eo sh briag fbrdt milk. &n(ily. to Nora £:o- ats aro dm* ;retched over of their fora rhey prey on they are ac- ding the day concealment, orpidity. A Scotia, ra LongicaU' ;• the greater \g on worms- broad shovel- :s "^mall and feelers sur» •lyfit it. If • ere are two Scotia, both the smallest 1% nooturufii 4. The Bear, (Ursm Americanus). — This is the Irirgest carnivorous quadruped in the Province. It frequently destroys sheep, ])ut is not dangerous to iian, unless when attacked by him. In summer it F .osisis in part on berries and other vegetable sub- stances. In the depth of winter it becomes torpid. The bear in Nova Scotia sometimes attains the weight of 400 pounds ; its flesh is valued for f )od. 5. Tlie Raccoon, (Pro6;yo7i Xo^or.) —This animal much resembles the Bear in its structure and habits, but is mu' '' siiUtller, being usually about three fer;t in length. It subsists in part on the flesh of smaller animals and in part on nuts and fruits. It becomes torpid in winter. It is a nocturnal arimal, and dur- ing the day conceals itself in hollow trees and simi- lar places. Itfsfur is used but is of small value. 0. The Wolverene of Glutton, {Gulo Luscus). — This is a rare animal in Nova Scotia. It is sly, cunning and voracious, but its strength and ferocity have been much exaggerated. It feeds exclusively on the flesh of animals. 7. The Weasel Family {Mvstelidae) . — Of this family, 7 species are found in Nova Scotia, viz: the Erpiine, {Mustela Erminca) \ the Weasel, (M. Communis) ; the Martin, {M. Martes) ; the Fisher, {M. Canadensis) ; the Skunk, (Mephitis Americana) ; the Mink, (Mustela Vison) ; the Otter, (Lutra C'lU'idensis) . All these species are very ac- tive aiid voracious, and destroy great numbers of the smaller animals. The two last named frequent the water and prey on fish. The furs of all the spe- cies are useful ; those of the Martin (called Sable in Europe) and of the Otter are very valuable. The Ermine is hro n i i sumui'^r and becomes white in V inter, e. The .tfx or Wiur C;^t, oiid tlw Iahw Otm* To (f ATURAlk mStobV tiER or Lucii^RB, (Felts Canatlensts^ Fetts •) ' i The Lynx, like oth6r animals of the Cat family^ is exclusively carnivorous, and secures its prey by springing upon it. It subsists on hares, partridges and other smaller animals^ There appear to be Iwo species in Nova Scotia, known respectively as the Wild Oat and Lucifee. The skins o/both are Hised as furs. 9. The Wolf, {Canii LupUi Americanus); is rare in Nova Scotia, and was not known to exist m *' the Province till 1835, \vhen a few individuals made theif appearance, and are supposed to have migrat*" ed from New Brunswick. Their numbers appear to have increased since 1815, and in some s6ttlementd they have destroyed considerable n umbers of sheep* The shyness and cunning of the Wolf and its nocture nal habits, render its capture very difficult. 10. The Fox, {Canis Fakus) ',, is rather abundant in Nova Scotia, and subsists on small qaadrupeds and birds, occasionally destroying domestic fowls. The cross, {Canis DccusiatU/i) , and the black or sil- ver grey Fox, (C Argentatus) , are varieties cf the same species, but are comparatively rare. The fur of the Fox is valuable, but that of the red is much less so than that of the cross or black. 11. The SfiAiiS, {Phocidae). Several species of Seals are found on the coast of Nova Scotia, and are pursued for the sake of their skins and blubber. — * They are all carnivorous, feeding on fish, and spend the greater part of their lives in the Water, though at soma seasons they are fond of reposing on the shore or on ice. The Sea Cow or Morse, (Trichecus Box^ mnnis^f which belongs to this family, cannot now be included among the animals of Nova Sootia, but is said formerly to have bseii found on Suulo Idand. IHHilllrifci ■jjir''-' """r W i jult. her almndant qnadrupeds leytic fowls. black or sil< rieties cf the re. The fur rdd is much il species of otia, and are I blubber. — • h, and spend 3r, though at on the shore Vichecus Rox^ cannot now a Sootia, but Dauio Island* , Order 2. — "Rodentia. 1, The Hare, {Lepus Americanus) ; is ui^Ually named in Nova Scotia the "Rabbit." They aro very numerous, especially in young woods of the Becoad growth) and great numbers are taken by wire snares in winter. Tiie colour of the hare chan- ges in winter from brown to white. Its flesh is pa- latable and its fur is used by hatters, though it is of little value. 2. The Marmot or Wood Chuck, {Arctomys). This is a burrowing animal, rather smaller than ilio Hare, and of a dull brown colour. It subsists ou roots and leaves, and becomes torpid in winter. Its flesh is eaten by the Indians. .3 The Porcupine, {Hystrix Dorsata) ; is re- Tnark iblo for the strong and sharp spines intermixed with its hair, and which serve as a d jfcnce against the attacks of dogs and other carnivorous animals. It feeds on bark, buds and nuts, and prefers rocky and secluded localities. Its flesh is eaten by the Indians, and the spines or quills, after being dyed 'Vith gay colours, are used for ornamenting baskets and other articles of Indian manufacture. 5. The Squirrels. Of these, three species are common in Nova Scotia ; the ground Squirrel, (&V- cvTus Listen), the common or •' English" squir- rel, {Sicurus Hudsonicus) , and the flying Squirrel, (Ptorcrnys 8abrinus,)^ All these species feed j.rin cipally on nuts and seeds, and make their nests or borrows in the roots or hollow parts of trees. — The flying Squirrel is nocturnal in its habits, and remarkable for the expanded skin of its sides, which forms a broad surface supporting the iininul On the air, and enabling it to make extraordinary hnps , 6. Tho Beaver, (Cmfor Fiha- Americanvs) , is a T» UAtvtiAh myyouY 0«oi'i}«r ji^re^afrlous animal, rnd inhabits th6 mar^ gins of brooks and pond vv le' ■ iw subsists on a- quatic plants and the hciTKfof yiJ^i"^ trocs. Families of Beavers unite in miking artificial ponds in the courses of lakes and streams, by constructing em- bankments of wood and mud ; and in these ponds, they build neat and strong winter habitations of the same materials. '!'lieir remarkably ^a/on^ uiiu lar^-.) incisor teeth enable them in the execution of theso works to cut down trees of twelve inches in diameter. The value o'"'li!j Beaver's fur, which is used by hat- ters, and its lalionary mode of life, have caused it to be extirpat'/J from all the settled parts of the Pro- vince, and it is now rare even in the most secluded localities. 7. The MtJSJi Rat or Musquash, (Fiber Zihcthi- cu.^), much resomb]. s the Beaver, but is considerab- ly smullor. It inhabits the banks of rivers and lakes; and constructs a house of mud for its winter habita- tion. Its food 13 roots and other vegetable substan- ces : and it occasioaally eats shcll-fish. Its flesh is eaten by the Indians, and its fur is used by hatters, ihough it is less valuable than that of the beaver. 9. The Burrowing Field Mouse, (Arvicola Penn- sylvartka). This animal, whiuh ic> much larger than the domestic Mouse, and more clumsv in its shape, is very abundant i.i the woods as v ell as the fields ; it excavates burrows in which it constructs a warm nest of hay. In winter it burrows under ,the snow, and subsists on the roots of grass. 8. The Leaping Field mouse, (Merioncs Labrar doricus), is more rare than the last species. It is a pretty little creature of a light browr colour above and whitish beneath, and has a lon^ il at d strong Uind mbs, which eaabla it to leap with greu agility. mmmtmtfrm i the mai> sists on a- Families nds in the ucting em- leso ponds, lions of the 11 of theso II diameter, sed by hat- caused it )fthe Pro- it secluded 3r Zibcthi- jonsiderab- and lakes; ter habita- e substan- s flesh is >y hatters, beaver. icola Penri' ich larger nsy in its oil as the )nstructs a under ,the ^•■^ »->#> V«<^'* »•♦ » - *^ ^ •••«• »^* ' Order Z.'-^RumiruxntiA, 1. The Moose or Elk, (Alces Americann) , — ^Thi» is the largest quadruped indigenous to Nova Scotia^ It is a majestic animal, though of rather clumsy form. Its principal food is the leaves and twigs of trees; its flesh when in good condition is excellent- Moose arc still numerous in some parts of Nova Sco- tia, and in winter, when the snow is deep and they are[unable to advance rapidly, they are pursued by men on snow shoes and killed. 2. The Caribou or Rein Deer, (Cervus Tarait" dus) ; is much smaller than the Moose, but is of more elegant shape, and greater swiftness, and itt flesh is of superior quality. It is'probably identical with the Rein Deer of Lapland, and might like it be domesticaf.ed and rendered useful to man. It is now jare in ISova Scotia. Order 4.—^Cetacea, • he Cetacea or Whale Tribe, though they somtf whai resemble fishes in their external form, are tru« mamii;ilia, breathing by means of lungs, and suckling their young in the same manner with land quadra- peds. The s'pcies most frequently found on the coast of Nova Scotia, are the Whalebone or trua Whale, {Balacim Mysticetus) ; the Grampus, (Phfy- eaena Orca) ; the Porpodse, {Phocaena Cowmunisy j ihe Sea Porpoise, {Delphinus Velphis)* ics Labrar It is a t)ur above i\ strong at agility. I CLASS 11. — BIRDS. KoTB, — The birds of Nova Scotia are too ottme- rous to admit of an account of each species in a work •f tliit aatuM. I shsill tberefor^ merely ooUo« tk« n '! 1 t^-^runiL msTORT 3rd. 'Sbe;,^^;*'^-'"^, birds, ' fiwinaming birds. ^cot,a are known by thpn ^^ "P^^^^s^ound in Nm GrevOnii rr r" '"^ name Oi»i . . " J^ova '"*'' Homed Owl, Sic. '' *^ ""e common i- The Sm„cS^'t^^-f'^'''«-'- 2 The T '" ^"^^ Sc"tia ^''"''« " B«cher *'pecial)v irrr,"*""- (^'^''"AVfo.) fe„,, „ . «1» fo„7oS' "^"^yillam ani'Cm"" '"r'^' the eon^„/'"''*'''"'''l''e serviS . "V.''J"5»"s Wsecte OK NOVA SCOTIA. 75 3. The Warblkks, (Syh'iadae)^ aro all smalt birds, MJioso ibocl consissts of insects, which they hunt with ^^rcat activity amon^ iho branches of lrce« ^and bushes. Tiiey arc ofirn l)ri«Thtly coloured txm\ many ofthcm sing agreeably ; they are very useful in ridding gardens aiui orchards of insects. Tijc Wrens and Titmice, the garden Yellow Birds, the Black Cap and a number of other species of our email birds, belong to this family. 4. The Fly Catchers, (Muscicapidac) , like tho Warblers, are-Bmall insectivorous birds; the Fly- catchers however feed on winged insects which they take in the air. Among ihe most common species found in Nova Scotia, are the King Bird, Redstart, and WoodPewee. 5. The Chattfjifrs, (AmpcUdae). These aro larger birds than the Warblers, and feed on fruits and inscr:ts. Only one species is found in Nova Sco- tia, the Cherry-Bird, Cedar-Bird or Wax-wing. It is vv-ell known as a devourer of cherries and of the blossoms of fruit tree&. 6. Finches, {Fringillidae) are readily known by their short and conical bill ; they subsist chiefly on grain and seeds ; and arc numerous and common in every country. Among the numerous species found in Nova Scotia, are the Sung Sparrow, Savannah Finch, Snow Bird, Red Linnet and Pine Grosbeak. 7. The Crossbills, {Loxiadae). The species of this family found in Nova Scotia, are the American and White-winged Crossbills, which aje both fmall birds, and much resemble each other in appearance. They are remarkable for tho singular structure of their bills, whose curved mandibles cross each other at their points. This form of bill enables tkcte bird* /^r-" j 1 1 ■ 1 i i\ ' 1 1 1 ' ;l • i 1 .... w ■>> "4 1 i n WktHtkl HlfTOlT to extract the Beed« of eprnce and pina oonefl on whicii the^' feed. 8. The Crows, (Corvidae), are active, shy and wary birds, and are nearly omnivorous, feeding on nearly all kinds of edible substances. The Raven, Crow, Blue Jay and Canada Jay belong to this fa- xaily. They are all highly usef'ul as destroyers of carrion and of noxious insects. 6. The Creepers, {Certhiadae) , are email insec- tivorous birds, and obtain their food in the crevices of the bark of trees, along the trunks and branches of which they climb in the manner of wood peckers, using their bills to remove portions of the bark which conceals their prey. Two species, common in the woods of Nova Scotia,'are the white-bellied Nuthatch and the Brown Creeper. 10. The Humming Birds, {TroclMidae). This family includes the .smallest ojf birds ; cr.o species only, the Ruby-throated Humming Bird, is found in Nova Scotia. It subsists on insects and honey, which it extracts by me&ns of its long slender bill and tongue, froi.t the interior of flowers. The hum- ming sound produced by these birds, is caused by the rapid motion of their wings. 11. The Kingfishers, { Haley onidae) ^ are re- markable for the great length of their bill, and the shortness of their feet. Only one species, the belt- ed Kingfisher, is found in .Nova Scotia. It fre- quents the shores of harbours and streams, and preys on small fish, in pursuit of which it dives into the water. 12. The Swallow.?., (/fii-Mn^miVac) , are remark- able for the g-reat length of their wings and the rapid- it" mf their flight. They pursue and capture insects ( lie wing. The Republican, Barn, Chimney, Bank and Bine Swallows, are found in Nova Seo*ia. H OK NOVA SCOTIA. 77 re- ihe belt- fre- and into .■ I >. 13. The Night llAVVKs,^(C<7;)W/m//i,'-«fw).'^TI)os« j-;seml)le the Swallow in their manner of capturing insects on the wing-. They are however iioeturnal in their habits, coming: foith in the oveninu and re- turning- to res', before morning-. The Night Hawk, sometimes called Musquito Hawk, and the Whip- Poor- Will arc found in Nova Sootia. Order 3. — Climbers. The WooDPKCKEus, (Picic/ac), subsist on ibo grubs or larvae found in the wood and bark of droay- ing trees, and which they extract by mean-« of Hiv-ir strong wodgo shaped bill ai d e.^tcn^ilo barlM'd tongue. 'I' ho species found in Nova Sc(»tia are the Downy, Hairy, Golden-winged, Yellow-bolliod, Three-toed, and Red-headed W^ood-pcckcrs Order 4. — Scro])n\'i. 1. The Grousr, {Trtraonidar) . J'he specirs (^f of this family found in Nova iSco'ia, are the RutVcil Gro.ise, commonly called the IJirch Partridge, which inhabits the hardwood forests, and ieeds on vario»!3 sieds, leaves and berries; and the Spotted (Jrousc, or Spruce Partridge which subsists on t-io leaves q( ^pruc(? and hr. 2. The PiGi:oNS, (Cohimhidae) . — 'I'hconlyspecicM of tliis family found in Nova Scotia, is the Passenger Pigeon, usually" nanjed the Wild Pigeon, -which in :Sun:imer is tuund^in tie woods and burued barrens. Its tbod is grain, seeds and berries. Ordi cr 5.- ■}Vadcry. 1. The IIkrons, (Arddda), are th/? larg^cfct au'^ most beautiful of the waciag birds f\)u.id iu Nu\a T8 NATPIIAL IIISTOIIV Scotia. They subsist on fisli, wliich they criptiiro, when Wiuling" in ponds and csfuarios, hy moans ot* their sirong and sharp hill. The best kno vn species is the fTveat blue Heron, often called *' ("rane** which Irequenls many of the harhours ofthis Pro- vince. 2. 'I'he Sn'ipks, {Scnlopnchhtr) , are charaeteri.sed hy their weak and slender hill, wiih which they horo in the mud in search of wonns. This family includes the American Snipe and Woodcock, as well a& the various species of Sandpi])ers and Curlews, W. The Phal.vuopks, {PhaJurupiddi)^ somewhat resemble in their habits the Sand{iii)ers, !)iit ha (j their toes fring-ea with a mendjrann which enables them to swim. The ]iyperl)ureaii or brown Phtila- rope is found in Nova Scol'a. ■1. The Plovi;r5, {ClMrnflrifuJcK). arc I'^ss aquatic in their habits than most other families of this ord(.'r; and often fitn^uent fields and })ustures, where their food consists ])rincipa}ly of worms. The (Jolden Plover, liiufj Plover, and Jihu-k-bellicd Plover, aro among the species occurring in Nova Scotia. \ Ort/cr t). — Swi/iii/if r.v. The DrcKS nnd Gi^ksk, (Ann/if/m). Of this well- known family, nunun'ous species frequent the shore s and lakes of Nova Scotia, especially in sprini* and autumn. Anjon^ these are the Wild or (.'anada (loose, the J}re"jt, the HI ick duck, I'lider duck. Wood duck. Pintail, Teal, Bulfel headed duck, Harlequin duck, &c. '2. The DivKRS, {C()/i//nf)itInr), in form res:end)lo the Ducks ; but have a straiL'ht and strong bill, adapted to capturing' iiah, and arc aUo<;elher mariuo I or NOVA 8C0TI.I. T9 \ ill \ho.U habits. Tlin fj^roat nortiKM-n Diver or I.oou in tiiG most geiiorally known spccios. 3. The Auks, {Ah'idw). These are marine div- inrr binlf!, which use their win^^s us well as their foot for propellintr them tliroii^jh tlic \v;iter, and feed cxelusively on fish. To this family beh)no- the birds named (-Jniliemots, Anks, Puffins, and Sea Doves. 4. jif'he Gulls, {Laridar)^ are lon^j winocd birds, ilvinn; to (rreat distances, and feodini; on all kinds of narbafre and on small fish. Tiie Terns or sea Swal- 1()\V5, the various species of Gull, and the Petrel, Ijelontj to this family. 5. The Gann'kts, {Pelirnnidar). These are larjre, voracious ani wandering birds, preying on lish and si»e'!ding' the greah^r part of their lives on the sea. — The Ganncts and Cormorants are the principal spe- cies. 0. The Grki'.es, (Pof//Yrp/V//:/r), areswiinmiiifi: birds of small si'/(>, whose toes are not united by a mem- brane, but merely broadly frinued by it ; they aro expert divers, and i'eod on small fry, insects, seeds, Sec. Of this family, the red-necked Grebe and the Do'uchick or Water-witch, are found in >i'oYa IScotia. CL\s.^ III. — ;{i:ptile3. The "Reptiles of Nova Scotia — are not nnmerona, and neither of lar^e si/e nor injurious to man. Tlui principal are, the fresh water Tortoise (l'w/?/.>), found in tluM'ivers and streams, a few species of Snakes jind some small Lizards. There ar3 alsosevc i:i) spe- cie's of iVoos, toads, andnowt^, which tlionph usu- ally ini-luded in a scparatg Class (the Amphibia,) i»iuv be mentioned here, 80 NATURAL HISTORY CLASS IV. FISHES. The animals of this class are^numerous, and very important to man ; it will therefore be proper to no- tice particularly the principal species found in iho waters of Nova Scotia. Division 1st. — Fishes having a honi/ skeleton and her- gij/ scales. 1. The Bxss (Lohrax Lineatus), is ah tore and beautiful species of perch, easily distinguished by the broad stripes of white and brown extending along ifs whole length. It is found in many harbours nnd estuaries, especially those of the Bay of Fundy. It is a bold and active fish, and readily takes a bait. Its flesh is excellent, and it sometimes attains the weight of 40 or 50 pounds, though usually much i>ma!ler. 2. The Ma^jkarel, (Scomber Scombrus), is^ found on all parts of tl e coast of Nova Scotia, and some- times appears, at particul r points, in immense Bhoals, whose appearance is not however very regular or certain, as this fish "-j very irregular in its migra- tions. Large quantities are annually taken by the fishermen of Nova Sittia. Several other species of Riackarel occur on our coasts. The Tunny or Al- becore, which sometimes attains the length of ten feet, and is occasionally harpooned by fishermen, be- longs to the mackarel family. 3. The Blue Perch (ZioZtrw^ coricus). This lit- tle fish, often called simply the Perch, is foui d in great abundance in all the harbors and estuar.cs, usually in the neighbourhood of rocks and wharves. It is often caught by boys, but it is almost valueless for food. 4. The ScuLPiN (CW^ws), is very common in har- bours and estuaries, where its voracity and hideous OF K'OVA SCOTIA. sr appearance are sources of great annoyance to juveii-- ile anglers. It is not used for food. 5. The Sucker (Cobitis) is a fresh- water fisH, distinguished by the peculiar forui of its mouth, whose lips project beyond the jaws, forming a semi- cartilaginous ring, by which the animal fas'.ens it:* selftorvwks and stones, a habit which has given origin to its common name. It is useless tO' man. -- There are more than one species. G. The SA.LMON (Salmo Salar) is found in most of the large rivers of Nova Scotia, and is also taken oir tho coast in spring, before it has entered the rivers, whicli it does annually, for the purpose of depositing its spawn, reiurni'.ig to the sea after this purpose is aec( "shed. The salmon is usually taken in nets or -y^ d, and in Nova Scotia considerable quanti- tic aro preserved by pickling and smoking. V. iheL^ROUTS {Salmo Fontinalis &c). At least two species are common ; the salmon trout, which inliabits harbours and estuaries, and ascends rlvera and brooks for the purpose of spawning ; and the common trout, found in all the rivers, brooks and lakes, and varying very much in size and colour, according to the nature of its food. 8. The Smelt, {Osmerus Eperhnvs). This pvetty little fish abounds in all the inlets of tlie coast, and is espec'aHy plentiful in spring, autumn, and winter. In harbours which are froziu at th;! lat'ier season, great numbers are caught through the ice. The flavour of the Smelt is very delicate, and in tho seasons when it is abundant, it is much used. 9. The Herring, {Clvpea Elongata). Tbis highly useful fish is found abundantly, in spring and autumn, on the coast of Nova Scotia. They are \.x- kep in. seines and nets: and their camure and curintr form a ver"' importaat ^»ranch of industry. 'J'iie 7 ea NATrnAL iiisTont ]Tprrinn, lilvc most oilier mipratory fi.shcs, prclVts yluillow water lor the (l(^[)()siti()n of its spawn ; and tliis is the reason ol'its apjioarance in large ^iioalis on the eoasts at j^.ariioiilar s 'asons ; at other j^criod.^ of the year, it wanders more widely over the ocean. 10. The Alkwifeof Gaspkrkaux, {Clvpca Vcnia- lis). This species [<* nearly as ahiinrlant as the coui- inon ITerrinn:, which it niiioh vesemhjes. In sprin'g' it aseei ds rivers mid .^treanus to their very sources, for the pe.yposo of deposiiing its spawn, and is then cvirwly caugiit in <.;i eat (piantities. It is not so nmeh esteemed as the ilerriiur. U. The Shad, {AIo.w), is nearly allied to the He; rin^"-, Init is \\\\\c\\ larijer. .It is found inost 'M.indantly in the i>ay ofFuiuly aiul its tribntarit^s, jpearinir 1o picfor mii(Uiy holionis and turbid water. It i •• X"\:'n in nets, and in waiTs or enclosures nuulo on the .^liores beluv/ liiph water iiKuk. It is equal to l3ie herrjnix .-is an arii.le of food. 12. The Cod, {'Morriiva Ainrrkcma)^ is one of the most valual;!;3 oi'lishes. Ji, is l()und abundantly on ■all the coasts of the Province, taid en the b';uilourinfr })arls of the Ocean. Tt iss taken by tb.e hook and line and when dried is an iinportiint article of commerce. (.'onsiderable (juantities of oil arc made from the liver of the ( 'od. 13. The XIakk {Pht/ri.-;), is a species of Cod often cauo-ht with the coim.K^n pinnciesf. but less cst(!eined as an article offood. 14. The Haddock, {'Marrlua .A*'^Ufi7ivt^), is a ppeeies of (.'od of smaller size than the com- mon one, and when tVesh and in f^ood season, })re- f.;ral)le to it as an article offood; in the dried stato however, it is not so much esteemed. The i lad- dock feeds more exclubiveiy on fchc.U-fish than tke comm(».'i ( 'od. (.r NOVA SCOTIA. btt I;"). The Ti)M Con or Fkost Fish, (?\'(irrh nid Prii'niofa) is alt^oa small spcoieHofCdd, anoniotiiu(S attaining the vvoiL'ht of-DOO jjonnds. It is found on ihe Atlantic coa.-^t of the Provii.ce, jir.d iscaurjit with the line. It is nu'.ch valued lor I'ood. 11). 'j'he y.iih, (A/iinii/fa), is four,<] auinulantly in leniuddv hotlonis of liariiours and rivcr.- 11 ]l ]s ve .!s-.i ry voracioi'.s, lec'dieg on aiJ ai^in'.aJ i:Ui;st; nces iivii g' or dead, and iVecjuenily eaiiri; i'.sh Miiicl: jr-vn bccii canylit in nets. j'',cis ai'c speared hy t'jidilig it, cv ihror.oli holes cnlin tlie ice. (iiiff i>i)ii 1/ ]i/a/(s or jxt'dds (III I he .s/.in. 1. The SiiAKKS, {Sipinlidci). Several .species of 8hark are occasioually seen on the coast ol' TVovn Sco- lia, tlioui^h none areahnndant, e.\ce]>t the I)of4- Fi.'-h.u small species very destructive to (.'od, and often iniu.- rions to the nets of li^hermeii. Ann)n!^ the species occiisionally seen on the Atlantic coast, are the White Shark {(.'ardiarins Vvlnan^). Tlie JJluc ^\\\\r\\.. {i'dvcliarias (U(ninis) and the Baskinrj Shark, {Sthu/ic Ma.rinnts). 'J he two first are danperons to l)iithers. hn! arc very rare, and uray Ic (< i.ftideietl tiJ? *:tr;!<,^glcis from wurm climates. /' Bl ! I I*ATU'RAL HISTORY 2. Tie Skatk or 1''ay, (Rata Bafis) is common! on tho coast, of Nova Scotia, and is often taken l)y fisliermen, but is not much esicemed. Tlie' Sting Hay, a species havinj:; a serrated and poihted bone attached to its tail, is also sometimes taken oiii our coasts. 3. Tke Sturgkon, { Accipcnsr -) . A larpre spe- cies of Sturgeon is found in the Bay of Fundy, preferring, like most fishes of this genus, soft audi muddy hott aris. In some countries the Sturgeon is' much esteemed for food, but in Nova Scotia it is> very little used. II. THE ARTICULATED ANIMALS— Constituting the second great division of tke ani-*^ mal kingdom, are named articulated on account of' their being covered by a jointed case or crust, serv- ing the purpose of a covering to protect the body,, and of a skeleton" t3 support their muscles. This division mclWles- the Worms, the Crustacea,. the Spiders, the Centipedes, and the Insects. 1. — THE WOKMS. The m'^st^important animals of this class, are the Earth Worm, which burrows in rich soils, feeding on decayed animal and vegetable matter ; The Leech- es, which inhabit fresh water, and subsist by sucking' iha blood and juices^ animals; and the marine worms, many species »^ which are found on sandy and muddy shores. The operations of the earth worm, by loosening^ the soil and throwing up new mould to the suiface, are very useful to the farmer. The medicinal Leecb has long boea cxteivsiiely used in the healing art;;:- 4«l OP KOVA SfOTLi. 85 anil thn marine worms furniah food lo many fishes and arc used by fishermen p • '-ait. •• ?. CRUSTACEA. ' ' Those anim;i1s are nil aquatic. The best known fpeciesjon the coast of this Province, are the common Lobster and Crab. There are however, a great num- ber of small species, as tlu*. Shrimps, r>and jppers, &c. some of which are so small as to be scarcely visible to the naked eye. 3 THK SPIDERS. There are many species of spiders, all subsislintj on flics and other iiisjcts, for snaring- and entrappinir which they have been endowed with many very sin- gular instincts. This class also includes tho flour and cheese mites. 4. — THE CENTIPEDES Have wormlikc bodies, and very numerous short feet. The most common species is an active little creature, found in manure heaps, dec < ing wood &c., and preying on small insects. The' . are other .species of more sluggish habits, and feeding on vege- table substances. ^ 5. — INSECTS. Insects are disting-uished from other articulated animals, by their complex orGranizaiion, their adapta- tion for breathing in air, the smaller number of their legs and segments, and by their metamorpho- sis, which consists in a change from the wormlike form in which llicy at first appear, and which k jm£'!:~ '/< M NATURAL IIISTOUY called the larva state, to that oflho perfect insect,— Thry axe divided into ^»r '^rs. Order 1. Coleoptera, Includes those insects which have the upper pair of wings forming a strong horny case for the lower pair, which are thin and met bra nous. They are usually named Beetles, and the great Water Beetle, {Dytiscus) is the largest of the order found in Nova Scotia. The Fire Flies, (Elatcr) ; the Turnip Fly, (Altica) and the Lady Bugs, (Coccinella), which are useful in destroying the lice that infest trees; be- long to this order. The larvae of the water beetle live in ponds and ditches, and prey on small animals found there. — Those ofthe turnip fly are little grubs which burrow in the leaves of plants. Those of the Lady Bugs live on leaves, and feed on the little insects which they find there. There are a vast number of species of beetles, many of them of very singular appearance and habits. Ore! r 2 . — Orthoplera* Or straight wingen the bodies cf caterpillars, on which their larvae fee Have their wings covered with minute scales, often brightly coloured. All the insects of this Order are known by the names of Butterflies, Moths and Mil- lers. In their mature state they are beautiful and harmless insects ; but in the larva stat3 they are the greatest pests of farmers and gardeners. All the varieties, of Caterpillars, and most of the- Grubs, Cut-worms, Apple-worms and Pea-worms, are lar- vae of the Moths and Butterflies. \ '"":■./ ,'alW-T .1;^ ■*■- ' •* ■ «,v > Order 8 . — Dipte ra . These have ouly two wings, which are membran- ous. This Order includes the Mosquitoes and Gnats, (Cukcidae) ; the C^rane Flies or Harry-loi.g-legs, {Tipulidae) ; the Horse Flies, {Tabanidae) ; the Bot Flies, {Oestridar) ; the Flesh and House Flies, (^Muscidafi) ; the'J Wheat Fly, improperly called " Weevil," and the Hessian Fly, (Cacidomi/ia). •' t Hie larvae of the Mosquitoes inhabit pools.— Those of the Harry-long-legs burrow in the ground, and eat the roots of grass. Those of the Flesh and House Flies, commonly called " maggots," feed on decaying animal substances. Those of the wheat Dy, Hvo within tke chaflf of ths ear^ and suck the jui- u'^- -■-,-l'SlC:J:i OF NOVA SCOTIA. 80 \ ^■■M ces of the young grain. In autumn, they desoend into the ground, and re-appear as dies in the follow- Jng sumnner. The remaining Orders of Insects include the vari- ous species of Fleas and Lice, and the Phryganidae, whose larvae, named caddice worms, inhabit brooks and ponds, where they construct little cases of frag- ments of wood, sand, &c,, which they carry about with them. ■H.'- if-_. i '■'!f> in.— THE MOLLUSCOUS ANIMALS— Form the third division of animals, distinguished by the absence of bony skeleton and external articulated case. The want of these is supplied by a shell, or by a tough skin or mantle. .;,•..-.*•. This division includes the Squids or Cuttle-fish ; the marine and fresh water shell-fish, the land snails and slugs, and several other groups of animals, found in Nova Scotia or the neighbouring seas. The only useful species are some of the Shell-fish; us the Oyster, {Qstrea Edulis) ; the Mussel, (My- hltts Edulis) ; the Sand Oam, {Mi/a Armaria) ; the Razor Fish, {Soien Ensis) ; the Quahog, (Ve- nus Mercenaria) ; the Scallop, (Pecten Magellani- cus). i^^'M ■ % IV.— THE RADIATED ANIMALS— Are distinguished by the arrangement of the mem- bers of their bodies, which generally diverge on all sides from a central point. These animals are all aquatic, and many species occur in the waters of Nova Scotin. The Sea-Urchins, Star Fishes ft^d Jelly Fishes are the most common trihes. m ^m' '•■^. 00 NATURAL HISTO:ir I V ,— B T A N Y ■ '1 J. Botany treats of the Natural History of the vegeta- ble kingdom, which forms two great divisions or sub- kingdoms, the Flowerinir and Flowerless Plants. — These are sub-divided inio classes and orders]; and also into smaller groups named genera^ each con- taining several species or kinds. * , : , ;? The wild plants of Nova Scotia are too numerdus to allow even a list of them to be given in this work. A few of the principal orders only will be mentioned; and species which are remarkable for their value to man, or for their interest and beauty, will be gi- ven as examples.* ■!iv 1. FLOWERING PLANTS. The order, {Ni/mphaeaceae) or that of the Water Lilies, includes the fragrant white Pond Lily {Ni/m- phaea Odorata) and the yellow Pond Lily (iVw- phar Advena) ; which ornament the surfaces of our Lakes and Ponds. The order Sarracenia includes the singular and beautiful Indian cup (Sarracenia Purpurea) of our bogs, whose cup shaped leaves and " side-saddle" flowers are among the most curious vegetable ^o- ductions of our country. A yellowish sarrac-" is * It will be found a pleasing and instructive a- musement, to collect specimens of the leaves and Howers of the plants named under each order, and compare them so as to discover their family resem- blances and specific difference. Wood's first Lessons in Botany, or any other small work containing des- criptions and figures of the structures of plants, will hi found a useful aid. ■ . ■i). ; 4'. NATUKAL HISTORY n BometLncs found' with the crimson kind. It ap- pears lo be merely a variety. _: The order Araliaceae includesthe Sarsaparillas (Aralia) and the ginseng (Panax) which are ulun- dant in our woodsj^and swamps, and well known oil account of 'their medicinal virtues, 'i'hey have elc- frant divided leaves, and clusters of small white flowers succeeded by berries. The Order Grossxdcccac includes the Wild^Gooso- borry, (Ribes Occyacanthoidcs) ^ a small' but atrreea- ble fruit; and two species of Wild Currants, the wild black and red or rock curr»nt. Both aro much inferior to the cultivated Currants. The Order Accrinac contains the White Sugar Maple, {Acer Saccharimirn) ; the Black Sugar IVla- ple, (.4 Nigrum) ; the White or soft Maple, (A Dasycaiynm) \ the Red Maple {A. Ixyhnmi) ; the Moose Wood or Striped Msiplo, (A. &tt'ia/.nm) ; the mountain maple, (A^MorJanum) . The'first two spe- cies are large and beautiful trees, alfording valuable timber and rich saccharine sap, which on evapora- tion yields maple sugar. The third and fourth spe- cies are also large tr. es, but their wood is less va- luable. '/ " •■: — ^ :^^^^ The Order Bosaccae contains a great number of plants, distinguished on account] of their beauty and utility. The Rose family includes the the Wild Rose and Sweet Briar, (Rosa Poriiflora and Rubiginosa) ; the Wild Raspberry, Blackberry and Dewberry. (Ruhus Strigosus, dfc.) ; the Wild Strawberry, {Frogaria Virginiana) ; and other less important flowering and fruit bearing plants. The Apple family includes the medlar or3 Wild Pear, (Aronia Botryapium) ; a tree which is worthy of cultivation, as its fruit,^though small, is agreeable and abundant ; und its fiwwers very orna- 1» NATUK-VL HrSTOllY and tllfS mental ; the choke hcn-ry (.4. ArJmtifolia) ;the Rowan or mountain Ash, (Pi/rus Microcarpa) ; and the Wild Hawthorn, {Crataegm). ' ^ The Cherry family contains the Wild Cherry and Choke Cherry, (Cerasus Pennsylvanica & Serotina)^ both fruits of little value. The Order Anacari/iacac includes the Sumach, {Rhus Ti/phina), a pretty ornamental tree ; and the Poison Vine CRhus Toxkoikndrori). The latter is a creeping- plant growing in fields and woods. Its juice is very poisonous. The Order CupiiUfera", contains the White Red Beech, Fagns Si/lmtica 6f F. Fcirugincd) Wiiite and Black Oak, ( Quercus) ; and the Hazel (^Corylus Americana). The four first «pecies are large and valuable trees. The Order ^'i/?//acm'? contains the Yellow Birch, Black Birch, White Canoe Birch, and Poplar-leav- ed Birch, {Bstufa Evzeha, L'infa, Papyracm ^- PopuUfolia) ; and the x'llders, (Ainus Serrulatay 4"C.) The two first species of Birch are valuable timber trees, and the Canoe Birch produces the bark used by the Indians for canoes, boxes, &c. The Order Vlmaceao. includes the Elm, ( Ulmvs Atrf-ricana^^ one of the most beautiful trees found in the Province, and very common on the river inter- vales. The Order Salicaceae contains the Willows, (^V?- /ia?), of which several small species are native, and some more ornamental species have been introduced ; and the Poplars, of which the principal species are the Aspen {Populus Tremuloidps) , the Tree Poplar, (P. Grandidendata) , and the White leaved Poplar, (P. Candkans). The Order Oleacear. contains the white Ash, {Framniis Acuminata)^ a very useful timber tree ; ■I V % % ■^ * or NOVA SCOTIA. Xi f and the Black or swamp Ash, (F. SanilndfoUa) ^ whose wood is less useful, but in consequence of the facility with which it cnn be split into strips, is used by the Indians in basket making. The Order Coniferae includes nil the evergreen or RoAwood trees of Nova Scotia. Many of these ar« valuable timber trees, as the . White Pihd, (Pinus Strobus). Pitch Pine, (Jr. Resinosa). * Hemlock, (P, Canadensis) telack Spruce, (P. Nigi-a) . Red Spruce, (P. Rubra) -:' ^. White Spruce, (P. ^/*a) -;' Black Larch 01* Hackmatack, (P^ Pendula), "'* lied Larch or Juniper, (P. Microcbrpa) Cedar or Arbor Vitae, i Thuja^Occidentalis.} t '^ Other species, as the Fir, (P. Balsaminea) ; the Scrub Pine, (P Banksiana); the Ground Hemlock, (^Taxus Canadensis) ; and the Ground Juniper, (/u- niperus Communis) , are of smaller size and less va- lue. The Fir htiweVer afibrds the Canada Balsam, and the Ground Juniper bears edible berries. The Order Ericaceae contains a number of Berry- bearing species, the principal of which are, the Red and Grey Cranberries (Oxycoccus) ; the Blue berries and Whortle Berries, ( Vaccinium) ; the Winter Greens or Tea Berries, ( Gaultheria) . It also includes the fragrant Mayflower (Epigaea Repens) ; the Sheep and swamp Laurel, {Aahniay ; iheRhodora, (P. Canadensis); the Labrador tea, {Ledum) i and other interesting and beautiful plants. The Order Caprifoliaccae includes the Cornels, {^Cornus)t some of which, as the Dogwoods, are ihrubs, and others, as the ^Pigeon Berry, herbace- ««». Tills Order also iiiclud'M the Black and Red •I KATrn^L niSTc../ berrie >■ .,c*.V£ The Order Liliacrac includes the beautiful Orange Lilyofjhe river intervnles {Lilivm Caiiadtnghy ; and the Solomon's seal and Wild Lily ofthe Valley {drnval/aria). The cultivated Lilies, Tulips, II y- acintUs and Piiion, belonfr to the same order. -w • S' OT NOVA SCOTIA M ■ if\ M '■' Tlie Orienis and leav(\s ofl;Mi compensates for their wani oCfiowcrr-;. 'i'he rt)l- Jowingare tiio j)riiicij);il trihos of Flowmless ))lants. ,. 1. 'I'Jie Horse tails, {E^/uiir/a), whoso hollow jointed stems, surrounded hy whorls of leaves, may often he seen in wet and s\vam])y jdaees. 2. The cluhmossesaiid frroinul pines (Li/ropodia) which are usually trailinji; ])laiits, intermediate, in nppearance hetween mosses and the fir trii)e. They are very ahunda.nt in the woods. li. The Ferns or lirakes (Fiiias), of which there are a p:reat nund)er of species, whoso elegant leaves ornament the woods, plains andsw.unps. 4. The Mosses (Afw^.'v) and Ijichens {Lirhnir':) which clothe the surfaces of cradl;'! hills, hogs, (k •■ caying wood and sto:ies. The Tvlosscs have usually small stems and slender leaves. The Lichens have generally the Ibrm of Hat crusts, in some species sending up irrogular knohsor hranches with coloured extremities. The Fitnpj^ including the Mushrooms, PnflT J. hulhs, Touch wood &c. ; as well as the Diist 13ia«4i 99 NATURRAL HIStORY f^nut and Rust of grain, and common mould. Tho tfeeds of the fungi, as well as of the mosses, are ve- rv small nnd dust like, and excessively abunc'ant. — T. lis accounts for the rapidity with which they spread^ and the sint^ular situations in which they are oAen found. Most of the Fungi grow from decaying sub- stances, or are parasites on living plants, into whose Btonis and leaves tlieir minute seeds pa»s with tho water taken up from tho soil, or are carried by the wind. (i. The Soa w«eds {Algae). These arc the pecu- liar vegetaticn of tne sea, though some of the small- er sjM.'cies arc fouiid"in ftesh water. There are nu- m }r(»uy sper-ies on our coast, some of them, espe^i- iiWy ilip rJinalter, very beautiful in tUeir forms audi cr>]onr^. Thr! 8tva weeds furnish food to a great uriiribor of mariiif! animals; and when washed on ahore, form a valuable manure. Some of the spe-- eies arc used for foo.l. Kelp or soda for soap mak- i;iy, 13 also ohiaiiu'd from the ashes of some of tho- iriost cOiTiaion kinj^ ■ , , - It "-. . ' ■ ; ! ■■■. ■ ■ ' ;,;-n:i ■• ./ ■■':• ■■-. ■ •■ , : ■ ■' ■ ^"-v^; ■; •' ; • '*. ■ •■ ■ " - . '« ■ ■ - ■ ■ '■'■^ ■ ^ V-/J ;■>' ".vi ; '- -- .:-- ' ' . ' ■",' k t ■M / \h V: LATBLY PUDLISHED, »» •^ SUITED TO ACCOMPANY THC'*HAND BOOK, DAWSON'S MAP OF NOVA ftCOTIA AND PRINCG EDWARD ISLAND. -;. - Size 19 X 24. > Coloured Outlines - - - - Ss. Cd, Full coloured and varnished on rollers - 7s. f d. In Pocket Case for Travellers - - 5s. (d. >'!■} The llarnionicon, THIRD EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. A Collection of Sacred Music, consisting of Psalm and Hymn Tunes, Anthems, &c. selected from tK3 best composers, and adapted to the use of the Church- es in British North America. With the Introduction to Vocal Music of the Boston Academy's Collection, which the Editors and Publishers of that work have permitted to he reprinted for the Harmonicon. Many of the new Tune^ introduced into this edition, have th e counter set on the lower octave, for female voi- ces. Price 5s. Sold by the Publishers. J. 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